IonQ and KISTI Partner to Propel South Korea’s Quantum Computing Leadership
In a landmark move to solidify South Korea’s position in the global quantum race, IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI). This collaboration aims to integrate IonQ’s cutting-edge quantum technology into South Korea’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, driving advancements in research and development, talent development, and the growth of the country’s quantum ecosystem.
Strengthening Quantum Infrastructure
Under the terms of the MoU, IonQ and KISTI will collaborate across four key areas: advanced infrastructure access, education, talent and knowledge exchange, and market expansion initiatives. A primary focus of the partnership is to introduce IonQ’s quantum systems into KISTI’s operations and integrate these systems with KISTI’s world-class HPC infrastructure. This hybrid approach—combining quantum computing with traditional supercomputing—has the potential to unlock unprecedented computational capabilities, enabling breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, materials science, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
Dr. Sik Lee, President of KISTI, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“Despite the infinite potential of quantum computing and the growing global interest, Korean companies and researchers still face a significant lack of infrastructure for actual research. As a leading institution in supercomputing, KISTI has long supported Korean researchers with world-class supercomputing services. Now, we plan to pioneer a new frontier by offering hybrid services that leverage quantum computing, further supporting Korea’s industry and research community. We are very pleased to collaborate with IonQ, the world’s leading quantum computing and networking company, on this highly ambitious journey.”
Building a Quantum-Ready Workforce
A critical component of the MoU is the emphasis on education and talent development. IonQ and KISTI plan to launch joint initiatives aimed at upskilling the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. These efforts will include internships, training programs, and workshops designed to strengthen South Korea’s quantum research community. By fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals, the partnership seeks to ensure that South Korea remains competitive in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape.
“South Korea has been a vital partner in the advancement of quantum computing, and we’re proud to deepen our collaboration with KISTI as we expand our footprint in South Korea,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “This memorandum reflects a strategic alignment between public sector science policy leadership and private sector innovators to unlock real-world quantum applications, foster local talent, and position the region as a global force in the quantum economy.”
Expanding Market Opportunities
The partnership also aims to create new market opportunities for quantum technologies in South Korea. By leveraging KISTI’s extensive network within the government, academia, and industry sectors, IonQ plans to accelerate the adoption of quantum solutions across various industries. This collaboration aligns with South Korea’s National Quantum Science and Technology Strategy, which seeks to position the country among the world’s top quantum economies by 2035. The strategy emphasizes accessibility, workforce readiness, and research leadership, all of which are core objectives of the IonQ-KISTI partnership.
Building on a Legacy of Collaboration
This latest agreement builds on an already strong foundation of collaboration between IonQ and South Korea’s leading institutions. Over the past few years, IonQ has signed MoUs with prominent organizations such as SK Telecom, Busan Metropolitan City, and Intellian Technologies. Additionally, the company maintains ongoing partnerships with prestigious universities like Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University. These relationships have enabled IonQ to contribute to South Korea’s quantum research ecosystem through initiatives such as executive training seminars, hackathons, and sponsorship of the Quantum Korea conference.
Why This Partnership Matters
The integration of quantum computing into South Korea’s HPC infrastructure represents a significant step forward in the nation’s quest to become a global leader in quantum science and technology. By combining IonQ’s expertise in quantum computing with KISTI’s leadership in supercomputing, this partnership has the potential to drive innovation across multiple industries while addressing some of the most complex challenges facing society today.
For IonQ, this collaboration underscores its commitment to expanding its global footprint and fostering international partnerships that advance the field of quantum computing. For South Korea, it marks a pivotal moment in the execution of its national quantum strategy, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of this transformative technology.
