The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has secured multi-million dollar government funding to launch South Korea’s first National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence, naming U.S.-based IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) as its primary quantum technology partner.
The initiative, part of the government-backed “Quantum Computing Service and Utilization System Construction Project,” aims to establish a national platform for advanced quantum computing services spanning academic and industrial applications. KISTI will lead the development and operation of this hybrid quantum-classical infrastructure.
IonQ, a leading commercial quantum computing company, is expected to deliver a 100-qubit quantum system as part of the project, pending a formal contract. The system will support cutting-edge research and industrial-scale computing capabilities, integrated into a private cloud environment for remote access in collaboration with South Korean cloud provider Megazone Cloud.
“This project is a significant investment in Korea’s research and innovation ecosystem,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “We are proud to be selected by KISTI and look forward to supporting their efforts in building world-class quantum infrastructure.”
KISTI President Dr. Sik Lee emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Thanks to our collaboration with IonQ, we anticipate building essential expertise in operating and utilizing quantum platforms across Korea. This is a crucial step toward developing a robust national quantum ecosystem.”
The announcement builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IonQ and KISTI, aimed at strengthening South Korea’s global leadership in quantum technologies. IonQ is already active in the region, partnering with companies like Hyundai, SK Telecom, Intellian Technologies, and academic institutions including Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University.
