Switzerland and Japan sign Memorandum of Cooperation in the quantum field
Bern, 07.10.2025 — From 29 September to 5 October, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a scientific mission to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration between the two nations.
During her visit to Japan, Ms Hirayama participated in the Science, Technology and Innovation for Future Society Forum (STS Forum) in Kyoto. On 5 October, she signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of quantum science and technology together with Japan's Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi. Through this agreement, Switzerland and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in this strategically important domain.
As part of the scientific mission, bilateral meetings were also held with key Japanese leaders, including Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Toshiko Abe; President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Kazuhito Hashimoto; and Kikuo Kishimoto, Executive Director of the Technology Strategy Centre of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), as well as other ministers and institutions.
The visit to the STS Forum provided a valuable platform for discussing ethical, social and environmental issues related to new technologies with decision-makers from the science and innovation community around the world.