Q-Neko (Nippon-Europe Quantum Koraborēshon) unites top-tier research and industry stakeholders in Europe and Japan to advance hybrid HPC (High-Performance Computing) and quantum computing (QC). Our 36-month project pursues five main objectives: (1) develop a high-impact library of quantum-enabled solutions for complex scientific and industrial challenges (materials science, CO2 emission reduction, telecommunications, computational fluid dynamics, satellite imaging), (2) create robust benchmarks and contribute to pre-standardisation efforts in HPC+QC, (3) contribute to the HPC+QC integration software stack featuring, e.g. quantum error mitigation, (4) establish a technology roadmap enabling secure supply chains and future collaboration, and (5) enable extensive EU-Japan researcher exchanges and resource sharing.

To achieve these goals, we will leverage leading HPC facilities across Europe (e.g. EuroHPC systems) and connect them with emerging quantum hardware and simulators in Europe and Japan (e.g. Japan’s ABCI-Q). Our multi-work-package structure covers algorithms and use-cases (WP2), HPC+QC integration and error strategies (WP3), a holistic benchmarking methodology (WP4), and a roadmap and pre-standardisation push (WP5). A dedicated work package manages collaborative efforts (WP6), ensuring expert mobility and joint workshops, while communication and exploitation tasks (WP7) foster broad visibility and industrial adoption of the new technologies.

The proposal aligns with the EuroHPC Work Programme’s emphasis on expanding HPC capabilities, fueling quantum-based breakthroughs, and strengthening international research. By integrating top European and Japanese expertise, Q-Neko positions HPC+QC as a powerful, energy-efficient resource for pressing societal needs such as emissions reduction, advanced materials, and next-generation telecommunications, while driving global standards and securing future collaboration opportunities between the EU and Japan.