Sejong City, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and QuEra Computing Partner to Drive Quantum Computing Initiatives Across South Korea

Insider Brief

• QuEra Computing, the Sejong Special Autonomous City, and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will work together to establish a quantum industry ecosystem in Sejong City, Korea.
• The collaboration between the three organizations was spurred by the Korea-US Joint Statement on Quantum Information Science and Technology Cooperation.
• Sejong City, a thriving hub for cutting-edge research and development, hopes to foster core talents in quantum computing and technological development.

PRESS RELEASE — QuEra Computing, the leader in neutral-atom quantum computers, the Sejong Special Autonomous City, and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) today announced an agreement to establish a quantum industry ecosystem in Sejong City, Korea. The three-way partnership was announced today during the 24th World Knowledge Forum Sejong session.

Sejong City is a thriving hub for cutting-edge research and development. The city’s strategic location, situated near renowned academic institutions like KAIST, contributes to its reputation as a center of intellectual exploration and innovation. Based in Boston and built on pioneering research from nearby Harvard University and MIT, QuEra has developed the world’s first publicly accessible quantum computer based on neutral atoms. It currently offers users up to 256 qubits on its Aquila-class machines and is actively working towards scaling up to much higher numbers. KAIST is the first and top science and technology university in Korea and is the gateway to advanced science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and its graduates have been key players behind Korea’s innovations.

The collaboration between the three organizations was spurred by the Korea-US Joint Statement on Quantum Information Science and Technology Cooperation, which was made during President Yoon Seok-yeol’s visit to Boston in April. The subsequent hosting of Quantum Korea 2023 in June reflect the current policy direction aligned with the nation’s commitment to nurturing the quantum industry. South Korea’s vision is to emerge as a leading nation in the quantum economy, and as a part of that vision, Sejong City’s plan is to foster core talents in quantum computing and technological development to synergize future national quantum projects.

Key aspects of the agreement highlight a number of areas of collaboration between QuEra, Sejong, and KAIST, including:

• Building infrastructure and R&D for the quantum computing industry.
• Developing educational programs to nurture local quantum experts.
• Cooperating on international academic exchanges.
• Conducting joint efforts to secure government public procurement projects.
• Collaborating to raise awareness about the importance of quantum computing in academic and industrial environments.

“Quantum science and technology, which can be applied to computers, communications, and sensors, is seen as a game-changer that can rapidly transform future industries,” said Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho. “However, it is still an emerging technology with no clear leader. With this business agreement with KAIST and QuEra, we will strive to establish strategic plans for the quantum industry, explore additional projects, and ensure that Sejong City leaps forward as a hub for quantum science and technology.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Sejong City and KAIST, two leaders in technological innovation and education. This partnership is more than a business agreement; it’s a commitment to advancing the quantum frontier,” said Alex Keesling, CEO, QuEra Computing, “By combining QuEra’s cutting-edge neutral-atom quantum computing capabilities with Sejong City’s visionary infrastructure and KAIST’s academic excellence, we are helping shape the future of quantum computing in South Korea and beyond. Together, we will unlock new possibilities in quantum science, from research and development to education and public awareness. This is an exciting moment for all involved, and we look forward to a future where quantum computing is not just an experimental endeavor but a transformative force across industries.”

If you found this article to be informative, you can explore more current quantum news here, exclusives, interviews, and podcasts.