Photonics and Quantum Technology
for Society 5.0.

What was the SIP photonics and quantum program?

“Photonics and Quantum Technology for Society 5.0” was one of the projects in the second period of Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, commonly called SIP. The Cabinet Office created SIP to coordinate research and development across ministries and connect basic research with practical implementation.

The photonics and quantum project began in 2018. Cabinet Office materials describe the second SIP period as 2018–2022, while Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology records project completion on March 31, 2023, matching the end of Japan’s 2022 fiscal year.

Program work extended beyond quantum computers. It connected advanced light technologies, secure communications, optimization hardware, and digitally controlled manufacturing under the broader Society 5.0 strategy.

Why “Society 5.0”?

Society 5.0 is Japan’s policy concept for integrating cyberspace with the physical world. Sensors collect real-world data, digital systems analyze it, and machines or services return useful actions to society.

Photonics supports that loop at several points: lasers manufacture and inspect physical products; optical networks move information securely; and specialized processors solve optimization problems arising in logistics, materials, energy, and production.

Three program pillars

What did the program report?

QST’s completion materials report advances toward practical deployment across all three pillars. These are program-reported results and should not be read as independent verification of broad commercial impact.

QST also identified practical or commercial uptake connected to participating work, including Toshiba quantum-cryptography technology and photonic-crystal laser applications associated with Kyoto University. Exact adoption scope varies by technology.

Why the program still matters

The program illustrates a broad view of quantum and photonics policy. Rather than funding only general-purpose quantum computers, it linked enabling hardware to manufacturing, communications, cloud security, and optimization.

Its most durable lesson is systems integration. Quantum-secure communication needs conventional cryptography, storage, and operations around the quantum link. Photonic manufacturing needs sensors, software, models, and control. Specialized accelerators need useful workflows—not only benchmark demonstrations.

For readers focused on silicon photonics, note that SIP is the program acronym. It is not synonymous with SiP or SiPh, abbreviations sometimes used for silicon photonics. Explore our silicon photonics guide for that separate topic.