Nearly 40 years after entering the UK market, Fujitsu has started its investment program in United Kingdom’s technology and science sector. The company has committed £22 million to build a Centre for Cognitive and Advanced Technologies (C-CAT).
The announcement comes after the Free Trade Agreement was inked in October 2020 between Japan and the UK. The agreement will play a key role in enhancing cooperation in the science and technology sectors.
This facility will bring in new technology from Japan and act as a catalyst for innovation, primarily focusing on finding commercial applications for research. The entire program will be overseen by Dr. Keith Dear.
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More about Fujitsu’s plans in UK
In the initial phase, C-CAT will be based out of Fujitsu’s offices in Manchester. The final base will be revealed later this year. Currently, Fujitsu will work on its Explainable AI project with the University of Manchester.
The announcement comes during the London Tech Week. At the event, Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) asked stakeholders in the UK tech fraternity to hire talent from overlooked backgrounds.
The initial sum of £22 million will be spent to establish C-CAT and accelerate the firm’s activity on a plethora of emerging technologies including AI, digital twin technologies, quantum, and more. UK and Japan Strengthen Innovation Partnership
Vivek Mahajan, Global CTO, Fujitsu, said that this step is a testament to the fact that the company has confidence in the UK and is committed to the region. He says that the government and Fujitsu share the same ambition of doing wonders as a joint science and technology superpower. Vivek also said that the potential of this flourishing partnership between Japan and the UK has been recognized. Hence, Fujitsu is aiding the cause by building the C-CAT which will bridge the innovation gap between the two regions.
This project is a win-win situation for both; the UK and Fujitsu. While the UK will benefit from Japan’s strong expertise in supercomputing, the Japanese firm will reap the benefits of working in the UK’s favorable research and innovation ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Fujitsu will continue to expand its applications for its quantum computing technology. In fact, the Japanese firm’s quantum technology is already used by the UK Space Agency.
Minister of Investment, Lord Grimstone said that this decision to build a new center in the UK indicates the business-friendly environment of the UK. In addition, the new C-CAT will generate 200 jobs and strengthen ties between the two countries.
More about Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s objective is to make the planet more sustainable with innovation and building trust in society. The company’s range of solutions and services are based on five core technologies including AI, computing, networks, data & security, and other converging technologies.
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