Installation at Yonsei University Songdo Campus
The era of quantum computers has officially begun in Korea. While the government is fostering quantum technology as one of the three major game-changing technologies, academia has introduced the latest quantum computers developed with leading overseas technology to prepare for the quantum era by incorporating them into research.
Yonsei University (President Yoon Dong-seop) and IBM unveiled the 'IBM Quantum System One,' the first quantum computer installed in Korea and the second installed at a university worldwide, on the 20th.
The IBM Quantum System One installed at Yonsei University's Songdo International Campus Quantum Computing Center is the fifth quantum computer installed at the national level, following the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan.
This quantum computer operates with the IBM Quantum Eagle processor, supporting 127 qubits. Qubits are the basic units used in quantum computer calculations. Operating via a superconducting method, this quantum computer is a new type of computer that utilizes quantum entanglement and superposition. It can perform calculations at speeds faster than those of traditionally used supercomputers, drawing attention as a future technology. If the drawback of errors in calculation results is corrected, it is considered sufficient to be a game changer.
Yonsei University has introduced the quantum computer with an ambitious plan to invest large-scale resources to provide opportunities for domestic academic institutions and companies collaborating with Yonsei to research and utilize quantum computing technology. Until now, quantum computers were used through cloud systems connected via networks, but now they can be used directly on-site. According to IBM, the computer is owned by IBM, but Yonsei University holds the operating rights and pays IBM usage fees. Both parties did not disclose the exact usage fees.
Yoon Dong-seop, President of Yonsei University, is giving a greeting speech at the quantum computer unveiling ceremony. Photo by Baek Jong-min
Yoon Dong-seop, President of Yonsei University, said, "By installing the IBM Quantum System One for the first time in Korea, Yonsei University has established a solid foundation to conduct world-class research and education in quantum computing and advanced bio fields. We will actively attract excellent quantum researchers, collaborate closely with global quantum research institutions to produce innovative research outcomes, and dedicate ourselves to achieving the shared goal of improving the quality of human life."
Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, also said, "We are very pleased to provide a useful-stage quantum computer to Korea together with Yonsei University. Through this, we hope that more research institutions, organizations, companies, and talents in Korea can explore scientific and business value beyond the limits of quantum algorithms. We expect the IBM Quantum System One to become an important foundation for nurturing future quantum talents and expanding the quantum ecosystem in Korea."
Yonsei University's Songdo International Campus, where the quantum computer is installed, is a core hub of the national advanced strategic industry cluster specializing in the bio field. Yonsei University is cooperating with Incheon Metropolitan City to build the world's first quantum-bio convergence advanced industrial cluster. As part of this cluster development, Yonsei University and IBM signed a memorandum of understanding in July to collaborate on the Bio-Quantum Initiative for the development of the domestic quantum ecosystem.
Director Pyo Changhee of IBM Korea is explaining the Quantum System One installed at Yonsei University. Photo by Baek Jongmin
Yonsei University also established the 'Quantum Business Group,' which includes the Quantum Ecosystem Operation Center, Quantum Computing Technology Support Center, and Quantum Computing Center, to actively promote quantum research and ecosystem formation. The Quantum Business Group plans to contribute to the advancement of quantum technology and the activation of knowledge exchange through expanding research facilities to attract global partner institutions, supporting quantum algorithm development and technical project consulting using IBM resources, developing education and materials for quantum talent cultivation, and hosting workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Jung Jae-ho, head of Yonsei University's Quantum Business Group, explained, "Since the quantum computing field is expected to grow by more than $5.5 billion from 2023 to 2030, the purpose is to enhance the 'quantum literacy' across industries and provide a foundation for win-win cooperation by establishing a shared-use ecosystem for the quantum computer introduced for the first time in Korea."
Lee Hak-bae, head of Yonsei University's Quantum Leading Convergence Business Headquarters, also said, "Yonsei University will support geniuses who challenge groundbreaking research by introducing a quantum computer that no one in Korea has attempted before," and expressed expectations that "quantum computers will become a new driving force for Korea's development."
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