A landmark tech partnership between the UK and Japan has been agreed and backed by businesses in both countries to boost growth, create jobs and strengthen national security.
The UK-Japan Frontier Tech Partnership brings together Britain’s strengths in software and research with Japan’s hardware, robotics and manufacturing expertise, creating a powerhouse alliance aimed at driving economic growth and keeping both nations secure.
The two countries will work together on sectors including AI, space, quantum and cybersecurity, and have already agreed a formal partnership connecting the UK’s microchip design expertise with Japan’s advanced manufacturing for the first time.
This collaboration between the UK Semiconductor Centre and Rapidus, Japan’s state-of-the-art 2nm manufacturing facility, creates a direct pathway for the UK semiconductor sector to manufacture cutting-edge chips.
Other demonstrable successes from the deal to date include British firm ORCA Computing landing an export deal with Toyota Tsusho for a major enterprise customer in Japan – one of the first times a major corporation anywhere in the world has bought a quantum computer.
British defence company Cambridge Aerospace has also signed a deal with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to build a manufacturing facility in Japan, producing low-cost counter-drone and missile interceptor technology to help safeguard our national security.
Twenty British space companies are heading to Tokyo in July as part of a UK government trade mission, backed by UK Space Agency funding calls and the UK-Japan co-funded business promotion framework, to help firms commercialise the latest satellite technology and win export contracts.
“Japan is one of our closest tech partners. This deal will offer our talented innovators driving the future of quantum computers, next-generation chips and clean energy direct access to vital investment, manufacturing and markets,” says Kanishka Narayan, technology minister.
“At the same time, the UK’s world-class research base, software expertise and pro-innovation environment makes us the ideal partner for Japanese firms looking to expand and invest. By working together, we can bolster growth and jobs across our countries and build a stronger, more secure economy that improves lives across the UK.”
AloJapan.com