In industries such as automotive, electronics, and construction, there has been a rapid expansion in the introduction and utilization of generative AI. At the same time, there is a growing demand for mathematical optimization and modeling techniques to reduce data volume, computational load, and energy consumption, while achieving decarbonization.
Against this backdrop, gate-based quantum computers are expected to become available within the next decade, raising strong expectations for both high-speed computational capabilities and improved energy efficiency.

In response to these domestic and international developments, IMI reorganized and significantly strengthened “Division of Intelligent Societal Implementation of Mathematical Computation”, and on April 1, 2026, established a new “Division of Advanced Optimization and Quantum Mathematics”.

Through collaboration with industry, local governments, and related organizations, this division will serve as a central hub to address diverse optimization needs from companies. At the same time, it will promote quantum mathematical research and the development of educational programs based on strategic international collaborations, and comprehensively advance projects for human resource development in quantum applications and middleware, including outreach activities for regional industries and secondary education students.

Division of Advanced Optimization and Quantum Mathematics, List of Academic Staff

• ANAI, Hirokazu (Professor)
  Social Math, Computer Algebra, Mathematical Optimization, Artificial Intelligence
• OCHIAI, Hiroyuki (Professor)(Concurrent)
  Algebraic Analysis, Representation Theory, Special Function
• SATO, Fumikazu (Professor)(Concurrent)
  Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Industry-Academia Collaboration, Standards and Certifications
• WAKI, Hayato (Professor)(division leader)
  Optimization, Mathematical Programming, Continuous Optimization, Semidefinite Programming Problem, Optimization Software
• KITAGAWA, Masatoshi (Associate Professor)
  Lie Group, Representation Theory, Branching Problem
• KIRA, Akifumi (Associate Professor)(Concurrent)
  Social Mathematics, Dynamic Optimization, Stochastic Optimization, Markov Decision Process
• KIM, Keunsu (Assistant Professor)
  Topological Data Analysis (TDA), Optimization problems in TDA