The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched the Quantum Leap Flagship Program (Q-LEAP) in 2018 as a ten-year research and development initiative. The program was designed to achieve advances in quantum information technology, quantum metrology and sensing, and next-generation laser technology. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) was designated as the managing organization.
Q-LEAP comprised flagship research projects in each technology area alongside basic foundation research streams. A governing board of external experts was established at MEXT to oversee the program, with program directors responsible for managing each technological area. The program received ¥3.2 billion (approximately $30 million) in the FY2020 MEXT budget, an increase of ¥1 billion from FY2019.
An education and training component was also established under Q-LEAP. According to the program’s official page, the initiative sought to develop common core programs and original subprograms enabling systematic learning about quantum technologies, primarily in higher education institutions.