PASQAL, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Daejeon City Forge Quantum Partnership

Insider Brief

• PASQAL announces a partnership with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the City of Daejeon.
• The agreement aims to enhance the quantum ecosystem in Korea.
• PASQAL recently established its Korean subsidiary aiming to develop a comprehensive presence in Korea.

PRESS RELEASE — PASQAL, a leader in neutral atom quantum computing, announces a significant partnership with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the City of Daejeon. This collaboration marks a crucial step in PASQAL’s strategy to foster developments in quantum science and technology around the globe, and in Daejeon City’s ambition to nurture a leading quantum ecosystem in Daedeok Quantum Cluster.

A Convergence of Quantum Efforts

The agreement aims to enhance the quantum ecosystem in Korea, with each party contributing unique strengths.

PASQAL recently established its Korean subsidiary aiming to develop a comprehensive presence in Korea, with activities spanning the sale of quantum computers and related services, quantum computing research and development (R&D), and the manufacture of quantum processing units (QPUs).

KAIST has world-renowned scientific and technological researchers in the quantum field, including Professor Jae-Wook Ahn who serves as a scientific advisor to PASQAL, and will continue to nurture master’s and doctoral-level talents through its “Quantum Graduate School” opened last year.

The city of Daejeon plans to establish an organic cooperation system with related research institutes, companies, and universities in the region, including KAIST, to provide necessary support in accordance with relevant laws and regulations to help PASQAL successfully develop its activities in Daedeok Special Economic Zone, to solidify its position as a leading quantum cluster in Korea.

Enhancing Korea’s Quantum Ecosystem

PASQAL brings comprehensive capabilities spanning hardware development, software control, and application solutions. Professor Ahn is renowned for his expertise in neutral atom quantum computing, quantum control, terahertz spectroscopy, and optics, with a particular focus on Rydberg atom graphs for quantum computing. This joint effort aims to significantly advance knowledge and tools in quantum computing, strategically benefiting both parties and contributing to the growth of Korea’s quantum ecosystem.

In April last year, Daejeon signed a business agreement with 10 Korean quantum-related organizations to build the Daedeok Quantum Cluster, and is jointly promoting projects such as technology development, infrastructure construction, human resource training, and technology commercialization.

Jang Woo Lee, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, emphasizes the local impact: “Daejeon’s collaboration with PASQAL and KAIST is a strategic move towards establishing our city as a central quantum hub. This partnership will catalyze technological advancements and economic growth, positioning Daejeon as a key player in the global quantum landscape.”

Georges Reymond, CEO of PASQAL, comments on the global strategic direction: “The collaboration between PASQAL, KAIST, and Daejeon City symbolizes our global approach to quantum innovation. It allows us to integrate our advanced quantum computing technologies with Korea’s thriving scientific community, enhancing our global research network and contributing to worldwide quantum progress.”

Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, focuses on the academic and research implications: “Our partnership with PASQAL and Daejeon City enhances KAIST’s quantum research capabilities. It creates new opportunities for our students and researchers to engage in cutting-edge quantum projects, contributing to Korea’s growing stature in the quantum field.”

Building a Global Quantum Network

This new partnership not only solidifies PASQAL’s commitment to quantum research and development but also plays a pivotal role in expanding its global reach, linking major quantum ecosystems in Europe, North America, and Asia through strategic hubs in Paris, Sherbrooke, and Daejeon. PASQAL has experienced the incredible growth potential when the public sector commits to fostering quantum technology, first in France, then Canada, and now in Korea. There will be a major benefit of linking the three great intellectual hubs of Paris, Sherbooke and Daejeon.

Professor Jae-wook Ahn of KAIST points out the new capabilities created by this partnership, “This collaboration with PASQAL and Daejeon City represents a pivotal step for KAIST in quantum computing. Leveraging our scientific expertise with PASQAL’s technological prowess and Daejeon’s dynamic ecosystem, we aim to significantly propel Korea’s position in the global quantum arena.” – Professor Jae-wook Ahn, KAIST.

Roberto Mauro, General Manager for Korea at PASQAL, highlights the business and operational aspects: “Leading PASQAL’s operations in this tripartite partnership represents an exciting opportunity to merge international business strategies with local quantum research initiatives. Our presence in Daejeon strengthens our commitment to advancing quantum technologies in South Korea and beyond.”