The Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) announced the “Quantum Science and Technology Strategy of Korea” on June 27th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), aiming for a major leap (quantum jump) in our country's quantum science and technology industry.

​

This strategy is of great significance as it is the first national strategy ever to encompass a mid-to-long-term vision and comprehensive development plan for quantum science and technology, reflecting the dialogue between President Yoon Suk-yeol and renowned quantum scholars at ETH Zurich on January 19th.

​

Under this strategy, Korea will aim to become the global center of the quantum economy in 2035 by ▲developing and utilizing quantum computers with our homegrown technology, ▲becoming a quantum internet powerhouse following our status as an internet powerhouse, and ▲leading the global market with world-class quantum sensors, combining defense and advanced industries to usher in the quantum economy era.

​

To achieve this strategy, seven major directions have been presented:

​

❶ Secure quantum workforce as top priority.

​

Initially, the government will provide support for the establishment of quantum science and technology departments in universities, quantum graduate schools, centers for quantum education and research (ITRC/SRC/ERC), etc., to foster "quantum core talent" who understand quantum physical principles and phenomena. The number of such talent will be increased from the current 384 to 2,500 by 2035. Additionally, training programs for “quantum engineers”, which involve electronic engineering, control system engineering, implementation and control of quantum system, will be provided with a view to fostering a well-balanced ecosystem of quantum convergence workforce (core quantum talent + quantum engineers).

​

Furthermore, Korean students and researchers will be dispatched to leading research institutions abroad, and major regional centers for quantum science and technology cooperation (in the US, EU, etc.) will be established to build a system for global talent circulation.

​

❷ Pursue mission-oriented quantum research and development.

​

Given the competition among different technological approaches, the government will support and encourage quantum computing, leaving the door open for various innovative possibilities. At the same time, the government will strengthen the focus and selection by frequently checking technology maturity, comparative advantages and other changes and advancements. The primary goal is to develop a general-purpose quantum computer based on superconducting technology with 1,000 qubits by the early 2030s and secure homegrown core technologies. Additionally, challenging research and development in various quantum computing methods (such as ion trapping, photons, semiconductor spin, and imperfections in solids and point defects) will be reinforced. Furthermore, support will be expanded for technology development in hybrid classical-quantum computing to establish efficient computing resources, along with the expansion of quantum algorithm and quantum software development.

​

For quantum communication, the goal is to develop 100km-scale quantum networks and conduct intercity verification in the 2030s. The public and private sectors will jointly promote nationwide wired quantum cryptographic communication verification and diffusion. Moreover, enterprises and the government will jointly develop quantum sensors that surpass the limitations of classical sensors, combining original quantum sensor technologies (inertial, time, electromagnetic field, and optics) for applications such as GPS-free navigation, advanced industrial sensors, and quantum radar.

​

❸ Advance the infrastructure for quantum research and industry.

​

By securing quantum device processes, testing and verification, and quantum material / component / equipment technologies, the government will foster quantum research environment, and buttress the leap in quantum science and technology by facilitating industrialization. Initially, the government will expand the open quantum fabs that researchers can use for themselves, and the establish testing and verification facilities to support the development and commercialization of quantum components and equipment.

​

❹ Establish an industrial foundation for the quantum economy.

​

By exploring the economic and social applicability of quantum science and technology, the government will foster industries and startups that utilize quantum, and strengthen institutional support for promoting public-private joint projects with corporate participation. In particular, through venture-fostering programs such as the "Super-gap Startups 1000+" project and policy financial support, the government will concentrate on nurturing quantum businesses.

​

The central and local governments will jointly provide support for the establishment of "Intensive Quantum Development Zones," in regions with relevant ecosystems such as universities and research institutes. Stronger incentives will be offered, to facilitate corporate participation, such as reducing private companies’ ratio of obligatory contribution when participating in government research and development projects, and granting exclusive rights to patents generated through government R&D participation.

​

❺ Incorporate quantum technologies in national defense and for national security.

​

Challenging researches will be pursued to introduce new concept, new weapon systems based on quantum science and technology into future battlefields.
The government will expand support for long-term technology development and talent cultivation through dedicated quantum research centers and labs.
※ Key areas of research include quantum radar/lidar, quantum navigation, quantum cryptographic communication, among others.

​

❻ Secure global quantum leadership.

​

The government will strengthen partnerships with leading quantum countries such as the US and EU at the national level, expanding practical joint research and promoting the supply chain for quantum research materials, components, and equipment.

​

Also, the government will pursue active participation in multilateral technological alliances for joint research, personnel exchanges, and supply chain security, and reinforce collaboration with major leading countries and expand cooperation hubs.

​

❼ Establish a sustainable support mechanism

​

The government will pursue the enactment of the Act on the Promotion of Quantum Science and Technology and the Quantum Industry to provide a comprehensive support, spanning from formulating a quantum master plan, establishing quantum research and industry hub, training professionals, commercializing research outcomes, and promoting international cooperation.

​

The public and private sector will jointly provide financial support worth more than KRW 3 trillion and pursue large-scale integrated R&D projects (Flagship Projects) that connects the industry, academia, and research institutes in line with the strategic roadmap, going beyond small-scale element technology research, under the goal of advancing into a quantum economy by 2035.

​

Minister Lee said, “Although a latecomer to quantum science and technology development, we still have a golden opportunity before us to get ahead, since the technology is not fully commercialized yet.” He stressed that “In order for Korea to gain leadership in the future quantum economy in 2035, an all-out joint effort from the industry, academia, research institutes, and government is needed. We will lay the foundation for Korea to achieve a quantum leap and emerge as a leader in the global quantum economy by committing to key tasks, such as fostering multi-skilled quantum convergence talent, conducting mission-oriented R&D, and building an enabling environment for quantum industry.”

​

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

​

Please refer to the attached PDF.