Takaho Saito

Information

Biography

Takaho Saito is Group Leader of the Quantum Technology Development Group at AISIN Corporation, a global mobility and automotive technology company. For nearly a decade, he has worked on applying advanced technologies to real-world industrial and business challenges, with experience spanning AI, optimization, open innovation, and quantum technology. In the quantum technology area, Takaho has consistently led the creation of industrial application themes and the development of external collaboration frameworks. His work involves identifying challenges from social, industrial, and internal business perspectives, evaluating technology maturity and business potential, and building partnerships with research institutes, universities, system integrators, trading companies, and domestic and international startups. Alongside this portfolio-level role, he has also led individual technical themes, including truck delivery route optimization using gate-based quantum algorithms and biomass catalyst discovery using annealing and black-box optimization. These activities reflect his focus on connecting quantum and optimization technologies with practical industrial problems, while carefully assessing both their potential and current limitations. Earlier in his career, Takaho worked on manufacturing AI implementation, reliability evaluation, business process digitization, and open innovation in Silicon Valley. During his assignment in Silicon Valley, he sourced and evaluated startups, matched emerging technologies with business and development needs in Japan, and created collaborative projects in areas such as logistics, inspection, object identification, and 3D visualization. Through these experiences, he has developed a strong ability to bridge advanced technologies and practical industrial needs, translating emerging technology concepts into realistic demonstration plans, collaboration structures, and future business opportunities.