What's Happening?
Researchers at The University of Osaka's D3 Center and Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) have developed SEAFOOD (Supercomputing Entangled by Ambitious Fusion of OQTOPUS and OCTOPUS at D3C), a hybrid computing infrastructure. This
platform links the university’s OCTOPUS supercomputer with domestically built superconducting quantum processors located across separate campuses. Scheduled to become formally operational in December 2026, SEAFOOD marks the first integration of a Japanese-developed quantum computer and an on-campus supercomputer at a single academic institution in Japan. The architecture partitions workloads across a three-layer stack, allowing each processor to execute mathematical routines best suited to its hardware design. This includes the OCTOPUS supercomputer handling classical matrix diagonalization, QIQB superconducting QPUs managing transpilation, pulses, and readout, and the OQTOPUS open-source quantum cloud stack routing circuit jobs and bitstrings between HPC nodes and QPUs. A demonstration using a four-hydrogen (H4) molecule on the Urchin quantum processor computed a ground-state energy matching classical reference values.
Why It's Important?
This integration is significant as it addresses the computational challenges of simulating strongly correlated electronic structures, crucial for drug discovery and materials engineering. While classical high-performance clusters find these simulations computationally expensive, near-term quantum processors face limitations in qubit count and noise. The SEAFOOD platform aims to overcome these constraints by leveraging the strengths of both classical supercomputing and quantum processing. This hybrid approach could accelerate scientific discovery by enabling more efficient and accurate simulations. The project also highlights Japan's growing capabilities in quantum computing hardware and infrastructure, positioning the University of Osaka as a leader in hybrid quantum-classical computing research. The development of such integrated systems is vital for advancing the practical applications of quantum technology and bridging the gap between theoretical quantum advantages and real-world problem-solving.
What's Next?
The SEAFOOD platform is scheduled to enter formal operation in December 2026. In fiscal year 2027, up to 10 research teams at The University of Osaka will gain trial access through the D3 Center’s proposal-based program. This initial access aims to refine hybrid job scheduling and optimize the platform's performance before broader external access is granted via Japan’s nationwide JHPC-quantum initiative. The project has received support from several Japanese government initiatives, including JST Moonshot Goal 6, MEXT Q-LEAP, JST COI-NEXT, CSTI SIP, and NEDO’s Post-5G quantum-supercomputer hybrid platform program. Future developments will likely focus on expanding the types of problems that can be tackled by this hybrid system and further integrating it into national research networks.
Beyond the Headlines
The University of Osaka's SEAFOOD platform represents a broader trend in quantum computing research: the move towards hybrid quantum-classical architectures. This approach acknowledges the current limitations of quantum processors while maximizing their potential by offloading suitable tasks to classical supercomputers. This integration could set a precedent for how academic institutions and national research initiatives approach the development and deployment of quantum technologies, fostering collaboration between quantum hardware developers and high-performance computing experts. The open-source nature of the OQTOPUS software stack also suggests a commitment to community-driven development, which could accelerate innovation and adoption within the quantum computing ecosystem. This model could influence future international collaborations and the establishment of similar hybrid computing centers globally, pushing the boundaries of what is computationally possible.
