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January 16, 2026
Information
Publication of "NTT IOWN Technology Report
-- Quantum Leap: Charting the Optical-Quantum Trajectory"
NTT, Inc.(Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; Representative Member of the Board and President: Akira Shimada; hereinafter “NTT”) released “NTT IOWN Technology Report — Quantum Leap: Charting the Optical-Quantum Trajectory” on January 16, 2026, which outlines IOWN1's implementation in society, from Expo to data centers, AI and quantum computers.
Since the announcement of IOWN vision in 2019, we have been making steady progress not only in research and development but also in social implementation of our results. In this year's NTT IOWN Technology Report, we will feature the innovations brought about by IOWN, starting with the experience at the NTT Pavilion at Osaka‑Kansai Expo 2025, which ended with great success, and focusing on next-generation data centers that will support future society, remote production that will transform the creative field, and space industry applications extending beyond Earth into space. We also report on the “AI Constellation” in which multiple AI agents work together and the “Optical Quantum Computing” concept promoted by NTT.
NTT will promote the creation of a smart society through innovative research and development.
1.Background
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the improvement of AI performance and the transformation of businesses. As a result, a variety of social issues have become apparent, including the rapid increase in power consumption and the ideal form of society that utilizes AI. NTT is promoting innovative research and development to solve social issues and achieve sustainable human development.
2.Summary
NTT is advancing research and development across multiple layers—from networks to computing, AI, and space—to address social challenges and realize a more prosperous world. This Topics page presents a clear overview of the social implementation of the IOWN Initiative, outlining both the current achievements and the future now coming into view.
Specifically, it covers the NTT Pavilion at Osaka‑Kansai Expo 2025; next‑generation data centers underpinned by Photonics–Electronics Convergence (PEC); ultra‑low‑latency remote production enabled by the All‑Photonics Network (APN); and space industry applications centered on stratospheric HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station). It also introduces AI Constellation—a collaborative approach where multiple AI agents work together with people—and, in optical quantum computing, features a special roundtable with guest science fiction author Yusuke Miyauchi to envision how optical quantum technologies are expected to guide the next‑generation society.
【Table of Contents】
- Introduction
- Where is the IOWN Initiative Headed?
- Next‑Generation IOWN Experiences at Osaka‑Kansai Expo 2025
- The Role of IOWN in Supporting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
- A New Era of Experiences Created by APN
- The Potential of IOWN Optical Computing - New Connections Created by IOWN
- Next‑Generation Data Centers Supporting the Society of Tomorrow
- Creative Work Connected Across Distance
- IOWN’s Network Extends Beyond Earth into Space - The New Form of Collaboration, Made Possible by AI Constellation
- The Quantum Computing Revolution Begins
- Six Questions About Quantum Computing
- The Future of Optical Quantum Computing
- Envisioning the Next‑Generation Society through the Lens of Optical Quantum Computing - Afterword
3."NTT IOWN Technology Report"
The latest version can be downloaded from the special website of NTT IOWN Technology Report. We plan to continue publishing technology reports on the latest technology trends that support social change.
NTT IOWN Technology Report Special Site:
https://www.rd.ntt/e/research/RDNTT20260116.html
【Glossary and Notes】
1IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) is a communication platform for the future that utilizes the latest optical and information processing technologies to realize a smart world.
https://group.ntt/en/group/iown/
Media contact
NTT, Inc.
Research and Development Planning Department,
Research and Development Market Strategy Division
technology_report-ml@ntt.com
Information is current as of the date of issue of the individual topics.
Please be advised that information may be outdated after that point.
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