IonQ's Quantum Computing Technology Integrated into SKT's AI and Quantum Cryptography
SKT and SK Square Exchange ID Quantique Shares with IonQ
Yoo Young-sang, CEO: "Quantum Technology is Essential for AI Development"
SK Telecom announced on the 27th that it has formed a strategic partnership with IonQ, a U.S. quantum computing company, to jointly advance the artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum industries in the future.
Through this memorandum of understanding, SKT plans to integrate IonQ's quantum computing technology with its AI services and quantum cryptography technology. It is expected that this will enhance the competitiveness of its AI business.
Currently, SKT possesses AI services and technologies such as personal AI agents (Personal AI Agent·PAA) including A. and Aster (A*, Aster), AI data centers (AIDC), GPU cloud services (GPUaaS), and Edge AI. In terms of quantum cryptography technologies, it holds Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC), among others.
SKT expects that applying quantum computers to AI will enable faster optimized AI technologies and service outcomes while using less power than before. This is because quantum computers can process large amounts of data faster than conventional computers.
IonQ is regarded as a leader in the quantum computing field, gaining industry attention by developing ion trap technology with stability and precision. Ion trap technology refers to a method of trapping ions (charged atoms) using electric fields and controlling them with lasers. Quantum computers utilizing ion trap technology are evaluated to have relatively high computational accuracy.
Additionally, SKT and SK Square announced that they will exchange shares of ID Quantique (IDQ), a quantum cryptography company they own, for shares in IonQ. SKT explained that through this share exchange, they have established a close business cooperation relationship with IonQ.
Even after the share exchange with IonQ, SKT plans to continue collaborating with IDQ in the field of quantum cryptographic communications.
Yoo Young-sang, CEO of SKT, stated the reason for the strategic partnership with IonQ, saying, "Quantum technology is not an option but an essential element for AI development," and added, "SKT will continue proactive investments and collaborations to leap forward as a leading company in the AI field."
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