[Exclusive] "Five Quantum Hubs to Be Designated and Connected via 'Quantum Expressway'"

Ministry of Science and ICT Unveils Comprehensive Quantum Plan and Quantum Cluster Basic Plan
Support for Quantum Industry Including Computing, Communications, and Sensing, Plus Regional Quantum Infrastructure Initiatives
Public Hearings Packed with Local Government Officials, All Eyes on Government Support Measures
Comprehensive Plan to Be Announced in December

The "1st Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Quantum Plan and Quantum Cluster Basic Plan (Draft)" held on November 27 at Isambong Hall, Ewha Womans University in Seoul was filled with enthusiasm from both the presenters and participants. Attendees from all over the country showed great interest in the government’s plan to designate quantum hubs.

All prepared seats were occupied, and those who could not find a seat stood at the back of the venue, unable to take their eyes off the presentations. Whenever Suh Juseop, Director of Quantum Innovation Technology Development at the Ministry of Science and ICT, changed the presentation slides, participants raised their smartphones to capture photos.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held consecutive public hearings for the establishment of the "1st Comprehensive Quantum Plan and Quantum Cluster Basic Plan (Draft)" in Daejeon on November 26 and in Seoul on November 27.

The 1st Comprehensive Quantum Plan and Quantum Cluster Basic Plan is a statutory plan promoted under Articles 5 and 24 of the "Act on Promotion of Quantum Science, Technology, and Industry." It serves as the highest-level plan to set Korea’s mid- to long-term policy goals and directions for fostering and developing quantum science, technology, and industry. A comprehensive plan at the pan-ministerial level will be established every five years.

Kim Seongsu, Director-General of R&D Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said in his opening remarks, "I have even visited IBM, a leader in quantum, and the day when quantum becomes a reality is truly not far off. Just as laser technology suddenly found applications and grew rapidly, quantum will follow the same path."

No Empty Seats... All Eyes on Quantum as a Game Changer

The event, held over two days, was filled with urgency and anticipation, as participants did not want to miss the golden opportunity for Korea’s quantum industry. There was a strong sense of excitement to see whether this plan could serve as a turning point for Korea’s quantum ecosystem, which has been criticized for lagging far behind leading countries like the United States.

Suh Juseop, Director of Quantum Innovation Technology Development at the Ministry of Science and ICT, who presented the detailed implementation plan, stated, "We will connect quantum technology beyond simple research to industry," and laid out a concrete blueprint.

Much of what was announced overlapped with the content of the existing quantum flagship project. Goals included the development of quantum computers based on semiconductor technology, the development of 1,000-qubit quantum computers using neutral atom technology, the establishment of a nationwide quantum key distribution (QKD) pilot network, and the training of 100 core talents annually. Support for the convergence of quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies was also included.

Five Quantum Clusters Nationwide to Build a Quantum Expressway

The most notable content at this public hearing was the basic plan for quantum clusters. The plan for designating quantum clusters was unveiled for the first time at this event. Reflecting this, many of the attendees were local government officials in charge of quantum initiatives.

Quantum cluster designation plan revealed in the basic plan for quantum clusters. The Ministry of Science and ICT added that this plan is not yet finalized. Source: Ministry of Science and ICT

The government plans to designate up to five "quantum clusters" nationwide for intensive development, and will introduce a "hub and spoke" system to connect universities (technology) and companies (demand).

In particular, the government proposed building a "quantum expressway" to physically connect the five hubs, aiming to create a "hyper-connected ecosystem" where quantum infrastructure can be accessed anywhere in the country. The quantum expressway will be a dedicated network connecting the quantum clusters to establish ultra-reliable connections and open infrastructure. Based on this, each cluster will be developed into a "quantum transformation (QX) specialized hub" linked to the region’s core industries.

Director Suh emphasized, "Through regionally centered quantum transformation technology innovation, we will enhance the competitiveness of core regional industries such as semiconductors and mobility, and create new markets."

The government plans to establish designation criteria and conduct a call for candidate sites from next year until February 2026, and to finalize the designation of quantum clusters within 2026. Full-scale operation and differentiated financial support will begin in 2027 following performance evaluations.

Designated clusters will receive exceptional benefits. Director Suh added, "For five years, from 2026 to 2030, the various support and preferential measures defined by the Quantum Technology Industry Act will be given priority to these clusters. Depending on performance, the support period may also be extended."

During the Q&A session following the Ministry of Science and ICT’s presentation and discussion, local government officials asked concentrated questions about the designation plan. This reflected the high level of curiosity about how local governments competing to foster the quantum industry will align with the government’s support measures.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to finalize the plan after incorporating feedback from this public hearing, and will confirm it through deliberation and resolution by the "Quantum Strategy Committee" chaired by the Prime Minister in December.

One participant said, "I hope the government’s plan is established as soon as possible so that Korea’s quantum industry can secure global competitiveness."