How did SoftBank Corp. get involved in the Quantum space initially - and what shaped your approach?

SoftBank’s engagement with theQuantum space stems from our broader vision to enable the next wave of transformative technologies. Our early involvement began with exploratory investments and partnerships in advanced computing and AI research, where we recognized Quantum as a natural progression of computational intelligence. Over time, our thesis has evolved from observation to participation - focusing on the convergence of Quantum computing and AI as a foundational layer for future innovation and societal progress.

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2. What motivated SoftBank Corp. to join the GenQ Hackathon Series 2025 as a sponsor?

We see the GenQ Hackathon Series asa dynamic platform to cultivate the next generation of Quantum talent and accelerate real-world innovation. Supporting this initiative aligns with our commitment to empowering visionary researchers, startups, and technologists who are shaping the QuantumAI frontier. For SoftBank, this partnership is both a contribution to talent development and a strategic opportunity to engage early with groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of Quantum science and applied intelligence.

3. From your perspective, why is a global hackathon like GenQ important for the QuantumAI ecosystem?

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Global hackathons like GenQ act as vital innovation accelerators - connecting emerging talent with industry mentors, research infrastructure, and venture capital. They help translatetheoretical advances into tangible prototypes, driving collective progress across the ecosystem. By fostering collaboration across academia, startups, andenterprises, these initiatives create momentum that benefits the entireQuantumAI value chain.

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4. What kind of potential does SoftBank Corp. see in QuantumAI technologies over the next 3–5 years?

We anticipate that the next few years will mark the transition from conceptual promise to early commercial applications in QuantumAI. As the field matures, we expect to see meaningful breakthroughs in optimization, simulation, and secure computation - areas with direct enterprise and societal relevance. SoftBank is focused on building the strategic infrastructure and partnerships required to translate these advances into scalable business and research impact.

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5. Are there specific Quantum technologies (e.g., computing, sensing, communications) that SoftBank Corp. is particularly interested in? Why?

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SoftBank’s primary focus is on Quantum computing and its integration within internet datacenter infrastructure.As a telecommunications and digital platform company, we see Quantum computing as a critical enabler for next-generation data processing, optimization, and AI acceleration. Our goal is to explore how Quantum capabilities can enhance the performance and efficiency of large-scale data centers, ultimately supporting faster, more secure, and more intelligent networked systems. Through ourQuantumAI initiatives, we aim to bridge cutting-edge research with practical deployment in cloud and telecom environments.

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6. Which industry clusters or verticals do you believe will benefit most from QuantumAI - and where do you see early traction?

QuantumAI holds transformative potential across several domains - notably in healthcare, finance, energy, and mobility. We’re already seeing early traction infields that demand high-precision modeling and optimization - such as drug discovery, portfolio management, and smart grid design. As the ecosystem matures, we expect QuantumAI to become a foundational enabler of efficiency and sustainability across these sectors.

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7. How does SoftBank Corp. evaluate the business and societal impact of QuantumAI investments?

Our evaluation framework combines technical feasibility, scalability, and societal relevance. We look for technologies that not only advance computational performance but also address real-world challenges - from climate resilience to healthcare accessibility.Metrics such as innovation readiness, partnership potential, and long-term sustainability guide our investment and collaboration decisions in theQuantumAI space.

8. Outlook 2026: What are milestones or breakthroughs you’re hoping to see in QuantumAI throughout 2026?

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By 2026, we expect to see greater interoperability between Quantum and classical systems, leading to hybrid computing frameworks that unlock new efficiencies. We also anticipate expanded developer accessibility, enabling broader participation beyond specialist communities. At SoftBank, we’re particularly looking forward to ecosystem-level breakthroughs - where academia, startups, and enterprises co-develop QuantumAI solutions that deliver measurable value to industries and society alike.

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