QAI Ventures builds quantum hybrid hub in SoftBank-HorizonX collab

The programme advances cross-sector quantum adoption.

QAI Ventures has launched a specialised industry cluster in Singapore to advance commercialisation of quantum-classical hybrid computing, in its partnership with SoftBank Corp. and HorizonX, according to a press release.

The programme aims to move quantum research into commercial deployment across four sectors, namely communications and networks, financial services, industrials, and life sciences.

SoftBank Corp. joined the communications and networks cluster to support digital infrastructure development and data sovereignty initiatives. HorizonX will serve as the education provider for the clusters in partnership with the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Alexandra Beckstein, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of QAI Ventures, said the initiative aligns with the government’s $37b Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 roadmap.

QAI Ventures will use its Singapore headquarters to operate a venture-building engine, taking operational ownership of business strategy to enable founders to focus on technical development.

The financial services cluster will address data decryption threats and apply quantum algorithms for pricing and fraud detection, in line with Monetary Authority of Singapore directives.

The industrial cluster will focus on supply chain and energy grid optimisation, whilst the life sciences cluster will target molecular simulation and drug discovery to shorten research timelines.

The venture-building process begins with Discovery 50, a 2.5-month phase to align founder ideas with corporate challenges. This is followed by Validate 125, a four-month programme to develop proofs of concept and secure customer traction.

The final stage, MVP 350, is a nine-month phase aimed at delivering products to market and generating revenue, the press release said.