Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and Executive Officer:Toshiyuki Sakurai) announces that, through the KURONEKO Innovation Fund II (hereinafter “KIF II”) (Operator: Global Brain Corporation), it has invested in JIJ Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yu Yamashiro; hereinafter “JIJ”), a provider of mathematical optimization_^*1 solutions leveraging quantum technology_^*2.

JIJ is a startup established with the goal of commercializing research results originating from a research project conducted at Tokyo Institute of Technology (currently Institute of Science Tokyo), which is at the forefront of quantum annealing_^*3 research in Japan. For problems requiring complex and large-scale calculations in business settings and other environments, JIJ provides solutions that support corporate business growth through its mathematical optimization platform “JijZept,” which leverages quantum technology to help solve complex planning issues. With a track record of implementation and support across a wide range of industries both in Japan and overseas, it provides one-stop services from identifying issues to mathematical formulation and program implementation.

KIF II has made this investment in recognition of JIJ’s strong proposal-making and problemsolving capabilities leveraging its expertise in quantum technology, as well as its proven track record of implementation in corporate businesses. Through this investment, the Yamato Group will share its expertise to solve challenges and improve efficiency in logistics, thereby supporting JIJ’s business growth, while also exploring the potential of utilizing quantum technology in logistics.

*1 A computational technology that mathematically derives the optimal choice to best achieve an objective (such as minimizing cost or maximizing profit) under various constraints.

*2 A technology that utilizes the unique properties (such as superposition and entanglement) of extremely small “quanta,” such as atoms and electrons, in information processing, communications, and measurement, thereby enabling ultra-high-speed calculations that are impossible with conventional technologies.

*3 A computational technique for rapidly solving “optimization problems,” which involve finding the optimal combination from a vast number of options.

Click here for details.