ANA Holdings has invested in Japanese quantum computing startup OptQC through its JPY 8 billion ANA Future Frontier Fund, as the aviation group explores potential applications of next-generation computing technology across its operations.
Tokyo-based OptQC is developing optical quantum computers, a technology that uses light rather than conventional electronic architectures for quantum information processing.
ANA Holdings said it sees potential for future collaboration with OptQC to address operational challenges, improve profitability and develop new applications, particularly within its core aviation business.
The investment was made through the ANA Future Frontier Fund, the group’s corporate venture capital vehicle established in 2024 to invest in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to sustainable aviation and next-generation mobility.
OptQC develops optical quantum computers in Japan
Founded in September 2024, OptQC emerged from optical quantum information research conducted at the University of Tokyo.
The company is developing both optical quantum computing hardware and HIQALI, an ecosystem intended to support the development of industrial applications for the technology.
Optical quantum computing has attracted growing interest because of its potential scalability, ability to operate at room temperature and compatibility with technologies already developed for optical communications.
OptQC’s core technology uses time-domain multiplexing, or TDM, to generate cluster states. The approach is designed to enable large-scale quantum information processing while requiring a relatively small number of optical components.
ANA cited the company’s research team, proprietary technology and potential to develop lower-cost, scalable hardware among the factors behind its investment.
OptQC launched first prototype in July
OptQC reached a significant development milestone in July 2026 when its first prototype quantum computer, MoQuren, began operating at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
The company describes the launch as the beginning of its full-scale effort to commercialise optical quantum computing technology in Japan.
OptQC is also building partnerships with established technology companies as it looks to develop practical industrial applications.
Earlier in August, the startup announced a strategic capital and business alliance with Japanese telecommunications group NTT.
ANA said OptQC’s focus on collaboration with industry was another factor behind its decision to invest.
ANA looks for applications within aviation
While ANA has not yet announced specific quantum computing applications resulting from the partnership, the group said future collaboration will focus primarily on challenges related to its aviation operations.
Quantum computing is being investigated across several industries for problems involving complex optimisation and large amounts of data, areas that could eventually have applications in airline and airport operations.
ANA said it intends to work extensively with OptQC on opportunities to improve operational performance and profitability while exploring further developments across the group.
ANA Future Frontier Fund targets new aviation technologies
ANA Holdings established the ANA Future Frontier Fund in April 2024 with JPY 8 billion in capital and a planned operating period of ten years.
The fund targets technologies capable of creating new businesses, strengthening non-airline revenue streams, improving airline profitability and enhancing the passenger experience.
Its investment areas include next-generation mobility such as air mobility, drones and space technologies; artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous driving; aviation services and operations; fintech and e-commerce; and technologies supporting the transition to net zero.
Sustainable aviation fuel, direct air capture, green energy and carbon offset technologies are also among its target sectors.
Global Brain Corporation serves as the fund’s general partner, with ANA Holdings as limited partner.
The OptQC investment extends that strategy into quantum computing, giving ANA exposure to a technology that could eventually provide new tools for solving complex operational and optimisation problems within aviation.
