"Quantum Technology Is the Biggest Concern" Why Minister Yang Sang-im of Science and ICT Took the Lead

Fields with Large Technology Gaps Compared to Advanced Countries
Interest in Quantum Computers Using Superconductors, the User's Major
"Reassured as KIST Also Conducts Quantum Research Besides KRISS"
Attention on Entry into Quantum Field by Global Top Strategy Group

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT indicated that among the three major game-changing technologies, he is most concerned about quantum technology and will pay special attention to it.

Minister Yusang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT is inspecting the status of quantum technology research at KIST on the 28th. Photo by Baek Jong-min

On the 28th, Minister Yoo visited the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), his first research site visit since taking office, to directly observe the development of quantum computer technology.

After receiving detailed explanations about the quantum field research at KIST, including quantum computers and quantum sensing, Minister Yoo told reporters, "Among the three major game-changing technologies, quantum is the most worrisome. I thought the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science was the only institution in the quantum field domestically," adding, "I feel somewhat relieved that KIST's quantum research is starting on a meaningful scale."

Domestic quantum technology is significantly behind that of advanced countries. Accordingly, the government has decided to exempt preliminary feasibility studies for quantum research and include it in next year's research and development (R&D) budget, actively fostering quantum technology.

When asked whether his interest in the quantum field is related to his own expertise, Minister Yoo also answered, "Yes." As a professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University, Minister Yoo is a leading scholar in the field of superconductors. Superconductors are essential for constructing quantum computers. They are representative materials that make up qubits, which handle the computations of quantum computers. Among various candidate qubit materials, superconductors are currently the most advanced.

Although domestic quantum technology research is being conducted by institutions such as the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science and KIST, there is still no research institution that can be said to have a clear leadership position. In fact, an unprecedented situation occurred when the quantum research team led by the Standards Institute was eliminated in the recruitment for the Global Top Strategy Group conducted by the Ministry of Science and ICT targeting government-funded research institutes.

With Minister Yoo's strong interest, there is also attention on whether the quantum field can be selected for the Global Top Strategy Group project. Among the five Global Top Strategy Groups already selected, the Hydrogen Production System Strategy Research Group for water electrolysis was disqualified due to issues with appointing a director and is currently undergoing a re-selection process.

A director of a government-funded research institute conducting quantum research said, "We will do our best to be selected in the re-competition."