- Collaborative investment of 3 trillion won by the government and private sector between

2023 and 2035 to achieve 85% technology level compared to leading countries

- Developing a 1,000-qubit quantum computer with our technology

- Initiating intercity quantum network

- Developing state-of-the-art quantum sensors

- Training of 2,500 quantum core professionals and 10,000 professionals in the field of quantum

- Increasing market share in the quantum market to around 10% and nurturing 1,200 quantum technology companies

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Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced the "South Korea's Quantum Science and Technology Strategy" for the quantum leap of the country's quantum science, technology, and industry on June 27th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This strategy, which reflects the conversation between President Yoon Seok-yeol and quantum scholars at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich on January 19th, is the first-ever national strategy that encompasses the medium- to long-term vision and comprehensive development strategy for quantum science and technology.

In this strategy, South Korea aims to become the global hub for the quantum economy in 2035 by ▲ developing and utilizing quantum computers with our technology, ▲ advancing from an internet powerhouse to a quantum internet powerhouse, and ▲ seizing the world market with world-class quantum sensors through integration with defense and advanced industries. To achieve this, the government plans to raise South Korea's quantum science and technology level to 85% compared to leading countries by 2035 and train up to 2,500 quantum core professionals. Additionally, the government aims to expand the market share in the quantum market to 10% and foster up to 1,200 quantum science and technology companies.

The seven major directions proposed to achieve this strategy are as follows:

❶ Securing quantum experts is the highest priority.

Establish new departments in the field of quantum science and technology, nurture quantum graduate schools and quantum education and research hub centers to train quantum core personnel to reach a level of 2,500 by 2035. Additionally, dispatch Korean students and researchers to leading research institutions abroad and establish major regional cooperation centers for quantum science and technology (in the US, EU, etc.).

❷ Promote mission-oriented quantum research and development.

Considering the competition among various technological approaches in quantum computing, the strategy supports and opens up various possibilities for innovation while constantly reviewing changes and advancements in technology maturity and competitiveness. The first goal is to secure core technologies for developing a universal quantum computer based on superconductivity at the 1,000-qubit level in the early 2030s and enhance challenging research and development. In the field of quantum communication, the strategy aims to develop a 100 km-scale quantum network in the 2030s and promote intercity experimentation. Furthermore, through fundamental research on quantum sensor technology, joint development with companies will be conducted to overcome the limitations of traditional sensors, such as GPS navigation, advanced industrial sensors, and quantum radar.

❸ Enhance quantum research and industrial infrastructure.

Expand open quantum fab facilities that researchers can directly utilize and establish testing and verification facilities for quantum components and equipment. Identify common items required for quantum science and technology research and industrialization and prioritize their development with government support based on their importance and urgency.

❹ Establishing an Industrial Foundation for Quantum Economy

Through programs such as the "Super Start-up 1000+ Project" and policy financial support, the government will focus on nurturing quantum businesses. It will create "Quantum Concentration Development Zones" supported jointly by the government and local authorities. The government will strengthen incentives for company participation, including exclusive rights for government R&D participation and the creation of patents.

❺ Promote Defense and Security Integration

In preparation for the collapse of existing encryption systems due to the development of quantum computers, establish plans for the transition to next-generation encryption and develop Korean algorithms.

❻ Secure Global Quantum Leadership

Enhance technological alliances with quantum-leading countries such as the United States and the European Union at a national level. Actively participate in multilateral technological alliances for collaborative research, personnel exchange, and supply chain establishment. The scale of international cooperation investment will be expanded from KRW 13 billion (2019-2022) to KRW 210 billion (2023-2025), and the number of dispatched personnel will be increased from the current 53 to 500 by 2035.

❼ Establish a Sustainable Support System

Promote the enactment of the "Act on Nurturing Quantum Science, Technology, and Industry" for comprehensive support. Strive for more than KRW 3 trillion in joint support from the government and private sector, with the goal of transitioning to a quantum economy by 2035, and pursue large-scale integrated research and development projects (Flagship Projects).

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT emphasized, "Although South Korea entered the field of quantum science and technology relatively late, there is still a golden opportunity as quantum technology has not yet been fully industrialized." He further stated, "To position South Korea as a leading country in the quantum economy by around 2035, the government, academia, research institutions, and industry must join forces and make a concerted effort. South Korea will solidify its foundation to make a significant leap as a central country in the global quantum economy."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4033, E-mail: yunay@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

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Please refer to the attached PDF.