HITACHI EUROPE LIMITED

Their core work

Hitachi Europe Limited is the European R&D arm of the Hitachi Group, contributing semiconductor and quantum technology expertise to collaborative research projects. Within H2020, they focus on quantum computing hardware — specifically silicon-based and CMOS-compatible approaches to building scalable quantum processors. Their work bridges industrial-scale semiconductor manufacturing know-how with frontier quantum information science, making them a rare industry partner that can translate lab-scale quantum research toward manufacturable solutions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Hitachi Europe's H2020 journey shows a clear progression from fundamental quantum physics toward engineering-scale quantum computing. Early projects (MOS-QUITO, 2016) explored spin-based quantum information at the device level, while their most recent project (QLSI, 2020) tackles the scalability challenge — how to integrate many silicon qubits using existing CMOS manufacturing processes. The HOT project (2017) added breadth in optomechanical systems, but the dominant trajectory is unmistakably toward practical, manufacturable quantum hardware.

Hitachi Europe is moving from quantum physics exploration toward industrial-scale quantum computing hardware, positioning itself as a bridge between semiconductor manufacturing and quantum technology.

How they like to work

Hitachi Europe exclusively participates as a partner rather than leading consortia, which is typical for a large corporate R&D lab contributing specialized capabilities to academic-led research. With 34 unique partners across 11 countries in just 3 projects, they join large, well-connected consortia — suggesting they are sought after for their industrial expertise rather than building their own research empires. This makes them a reliable, low-maintenance consortium partner who brings industry perspective without competing for leadership.

Despite only 3 projects, Hitachi Europe has worked with 34 distinct partners across 11 countries, indicating participation in large pan-European consortia. Their network spans the major quantum research hubs across Europe.

What sets them apart

Hitachi Europe is one of very few large industrial companies actively contributing to European quantum computing research at the hardware level. While most quantum H2020 participants are universities or research institutes, Hitachi brings real semiconductor manufacturing experience and an industrial pathway to commercialization. For consortium builders, they offer something hard to find: a credible industry partner that understands both the physics and the factory floor.

Highlights from their portfolio

• QLSI
  Flagship quantum computing project targeting large-scale silicon qubit integration using CMOS — directly addresses the scalability bottleneck that limits practical quantum computers.
• MOS-QUITO
  Early-mover project applying MOS transistor technology to quantum information, connecting Hitachi's core semiconductor competence to quantum research.
• HOT
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 562,500) and broadens Hitachi's quantum portfolio into hybrid optomechanical systems beyond pure electronics.