SoftBank, HorizonX and QAI Ventures to Build Singapore Quantum Hub to Accelerate Hybrid Computing Commercialisation
SoftBank, HorizonX and QAI Ventures to Build Singapore Quantum Hub to Accelerate Hybrid Computing Commercialisation
- QAI Ventures, SoftBank and HorizonX are establishing a Singapore-based quantum hub to fast-track hybrid quantum-classical computing into real-world industries.
- The initiative targets communications, finance, industrials and life sciences, aligning with Singapore’s S$37 billion RIE2030 strategy.
- SoftBank will connect AI systems with quantum infrastructure, while HorizonX partners with MIT Sloan to equip corporate leaders for implementation.
Global investor and quantum technologies ecosystem builder QAI Ventures is preparing to launch a specialised industry cluster in Singapore designed to accelerate the commercial deployment of quantum-classical hybrid computing, according to reporting by The Business Times.
The initiative will be supported through strategic partnerships with Japanese multinational investment holding company SoftBank and innovation firm HorizonX. Together, the three organisations plan to create what they describe as a global ecosystem aimed at shifting quantum innovation from laboratory research into large-scale industrial use.
Quantum technologies are widely regarded as capable of solving highly complex problems in minutes that would take traditional supercomputers thousands of years. In theory, such capabilities could transform industries including medicine, energy, finance and other computation-heavy sectors.
“By combining capital, corporate clusters and world-class partnerships with a hands-on venture-building engine, we look forward to moving Singapore’s quantum ambitions to full-scale enterprise readiness,” said QAI founder and chief executive Alexandra Beckstein, as cited by The Business Times. She added that the initiative would directly support Singapore’s S$37 billion Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan.
Beckstein told the publication that Singapore’s strong quantum research ecosystem and deep technology talent pool were key reasons behind QAI’s expansion into the city-state. The Switzerland-based firm established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore last year, alongside launching an accelerator programme for startups and outlining plans for venture building.
Industry Cluster Programmes
Under the new partnership framework, Industry Cluster Programmes will bring together leaders from communications and networks, financial services, industrials and life sciences to accelerate quantum technology adoption across core sectors.
The communications and networks cluster will span telecommunications, cybersecurity and data domains. Its objective is to advance next-generation digital infrastructure while safeguarding long-term data sovereignty.
In line with Monetary Authority of Singapore directives, participants from banking, fintech and insurance will focus on addressing the “harvest now, decrypt later” cybersecurity threat. They will also explore quantum algorithms for rapid derivative pricing and enhanced fraud detection.
The industrials cluster, covering energy, manufacturing and space industries, aims to build on Singapore’s advanced manufacturing strengths. Its focus will include optimising complex supply chains and improving energy grid management.
Meanwhile, the life sciences cluster will unite pharmaceutical and healthcare players to bridge biotechnology and computing power. The goal is to achieve breakthroughs in molecular simulation and drug discovery, with the potential to shorten research and development timelines.
Leadership, Capability and Infrastructure
Through collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, HorizonX will equip corporate leaders and innovation teams with practical frameworks to move beyond theoretical awareness toward institutional capability in quantum technologies.
“We are ensuring that Singapore’s industry leaders can move from awareness to implementation with confidence,” said HorizonX chief executive Steve Suarez, according to the report.
SoftBank will serve as the bridge between artificial intelligence systems and quantum infrastructure, supporting the development of scalable platforms for emerging applications such as autonomous mobility and other advanced use cases.
QAI Ventures will also deploy its Venture Building Program in Singapore, assuming operational ownership of business strategy so that academic founders can concentrate on technical development. The programme spans just under 16 months, progressing from discovery to proof-of-concept and ultimately to minimum viable product.
“The future of global competitiveness will be decided by those who can successfully merge quantum and AI into a singular industrial force,” Beckstein said.
“With our industry clusters and partners like SoftBank and HorizonX, we are building the resilient, hybrid-compute ecosystem that will serve as the backbone for Singapore’s economy in 2030 and beyond.”
Source: The Business Times – Have a Story? Address it to the Editor and submit it here
About QAI Ventures
QAI Ventures is a Switzerland-based global investor and ecosystem builder focused on advancing quantum technologies and hybrid computing systems. The firm works to transition quantum innovation from academic research environments into enterprise-scale industrial applications. It operates across venture capital investment, accelerator programmes and hands-on venture building, supporting startups and academic founders through structured development pathways. QAI established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore, reflecting its commitment to tapping into the city-state’s research ecosystem and technical talent base. Through its Venture Building Program, QAI takes operational ownership of business strategy while enabling founders to concentrate on technical execution. The programme spans approximately 16 months, covering discovery, proof-of-concept and minimum viable product stages. QAI’s broader objective is to integrate quantum and artificial intelligence technologies into scalable commercial platforms capable of supporting future industrial transformation.
Featured image Source: The Business Times
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