First Vice Minister of Science and ICT Koo Hyuk Chae (center) on March 19 explains the national strategy to develop quantum technology at a policy briefing for foreign media at Korea Press Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Ministry of Science and ICT)

By Margareth Theresia

The Ministry of Science and ICT has released a strategy to make Korea the world's top manufacturer of quantum chips by 2035 through the development of 10,000 professionals and 2,000 companies in the sector.

The ministry announced the plan on March 19 at a policy briefing for foreign media at Korea Press Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

The blueprint defines quantum technology as strategic know-how that goes beyond basic science to drive industry and national security, proposing systematic measures to the sector's development at the national level.

IBM Quantum System One, Korea's first quantum computer, was unveiled on Nov. 20, 2024, at Yonsei University's international campus in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District. (Yonsei University)

The first task is development of a Korean-style "full-stack quantum computer" to expedite technological sovereignty in core technologies. To raise the competitiveness of leading domestic industries including cars, pharmaceuticals and finance, the hosting of case competitions will seek to solve complex challenges beyond the reach of conventional technologies through the convergence of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

A proposed convergence infrastructure will integrate quantum and high-performance computing with AI to shape an open research environment allowing researchers to fully leverage these advanced capabilities.

In defense and finance, two sectors where security is crucial, a nationwide quantum cryptographic network will be set up for demonstration purposes. Quantum sensor projects capable of immediate commercial application will be identified in areas such as health care and defense, and full support will span the entire cycle from prototype development to commercialization.

Quantum Korea, an international event on quantum technology, was held in June last year with participation from domestic and foreign researchers and company and government officials at aT Center in Seoul's Seocho-gu District. (Quantum Korea)

To cultivate quantum talent, 100 students will be trained every year at AI science centers and quantum graduate schools, with the goal of building a talent pool of 10,000 by 2035. 

The adoption of a strategic basic research system under a long-term perspective will seek to secure basic and source technologies.

Expansion of the industrial ecosystem is another task. Increased investment will seek to develop 2,000 quantum companies in a bid for Korea to rank in the world's top three for international quantum standards and support domestic companies in entering global supply chains.

"Quantum technology is a core technology that promises to alter the paradigm of future industries," First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk Chae said at the policy briefing. "We will actively strengthen policy support so that Korea can expand its role as a global partner."

margareth@korea.kr