Korea aims to foster 10,000 quantum specialists, 20,000 quantum tech companies by 2035

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon delivers opening remarks on the launch ceremony for the quantum expertise consultative physique and the announcement of the excellent quantum plan on the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Jan. 29. [NEWS1]

 
Korea aims to foster 10,000 quantum specialists and begin 2,000 companies that use quantum applied sciences by 2035. 
 
The Ministry of Science and ICT introduced a primary complete plan for fostering quantum science and expertise consultants and increasing the quantum trade, in addition to a primary quantum cluster primary plan, on Thursday. The blueprint is the federal government’s first complete plan drafted beneath the Act on Promotion of Quantum Science, Technology and Industry, also referred to as the “Quantum Technology and Industry Act.”
 
 
The transfer marks a shift in focus from analysis and growth to turning analysis into actual industrial outcomes. The authorities’s objectives for the following decade embody turning into No. 1 globally in quantum chip manufacturing and No. 1 in quantum laptop utilization.
 
“Korea may be a latecomer in the quantum field, but we can still compete at the highest level by leveraging our world-class semiconductor capacity and information and communications technology [ICT] foundation,” stated Bae Kyung-hoon, the deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT.
 
The complete plan outlines methods for quantum computing, communications and sensors.
 
For quantum computing, the federal government plans to develop a full-stack quantum laptop, integrating every thing from bodily qubit management to software program and functions, and push for domestically produced quantum computing {hardware}.
 
For communications and sensors, the federal government aims to construct a nationwide quantum cryptographic communications community and fast-track tasks with near-term commercialization potential, corresponding to quantum biosensors, or sensors that use quantum supplies to detect minute adjustments inside cells with atom- or molecule-level precision.
 

Kim Seong-soo, the director normal for analysis and growth coverage on the Ministry of Science and ICT, left, and Scott Millard, IonQ’s chief model officer, signal a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and IonQ on Jan. 29. [MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND ICT]

 
The ministry additionally unveiled a plan to create a “K-Quantum Cluster,” a hub for collaboration amongst these within the quantum trade, academia and analysis. The cluster will middle on 5 key areas — computing, communications, sensors, supplies, elements, gear and algorithms — so the federal government can construct regional “quantum transition” bases related to native specialised industries.
 
The ministry stated it’s going to draw up tips for cluster designation and growth plans by February, then ask for public opinion and choose the ultimate areas by July.
 
The ministry additionally signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. quantum firm IonQ. IonQ will set up a joint analysis middle in Korea, staffed by about 10 individuals; make investments $5 million yearly for the following three years; and produce an IonQ quantum laptop to the nation.
 
Scott Millard, IonQ’s chief enterprise officer, stated the corporate views Korea not merely as a market however as a associate in constructing the quantum ecosystem. Millard added that if Korea offers infrastructure assist and entry to its nationwide technique, IonQ will the contribute expertise, expertise and world expertise.
 
Separately, a private-sector-led quantum expertise council was formally launched to assist form the early quantum market. Participating companies embody producers Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics; telecom operators SK Telecom and KT; monetary corporations KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank; and protection companies Hanwha and LIG Nex1.

This article was initially written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the assistance of generative AI instruments. It was then edited by a local English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KIM MIN-JEONG [[email protected]]