Quantum computing company IonQ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seoul National University’s Center for Quantum Information Science Education (CQISE). The agreement promotes workforce development in quantum information, communication science, and technology. The partnership will establish educational and joint research programs for academia and industry professionals. This follows a similar MoU IonQ signed with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT last year. IonQ’s Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Jungsang Kim, and Taehyun Kim, director of the Research Center for Quantum Science & Technology at Seoul National University, expressed excitement about the collaboration.
IonQ Collaborates with Seoul National University for Quantum Workforce Development
IonQ, a prominent entity in the quantum computing sector, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for Quantum Information Science Education (CQISE) at Seoul National University. The objective of this agreement is to foster workforce development in the fields of quantum information, communication science, and technology. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative by South Korea to bolster its emerging quantum computing industry.
The partnership between IonQ and CQISE aims to establish educational and joint research programs. These initiatives are designed to equip academia and industry professionals with the necessary skills to adapt to the changing demands of various industry sectors. The agreement includes provisions for mutual personnel exchange to enhance the quality of bilateral cooperation, joint research, and the development of internships for quantum-related activities.
Quantum Computing Research and Education at Seoul National University
Taehyun Kim, the Research Center for Quantum Science & Technology director at Seoul National University, expressed optimism about the collaboration with IonQ. He anticipates that this partnership will open new avenues in university quantum computing research and education. Furthermore, he believes it will significantly contribute to the invigoration of the domestic quantum computing field.
Jungsang Kim, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of IonQ, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Seoul National University. He stated that the collaboration would provide state-of-the-art resources that could position Korea as a significant player in the creation of a quantum-driven economy in the future.
IonQ’s Previous Collaborations and Future Plans
This recent agreement follows a similar MoU IonQ signed in June of the previous year with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). That agreement aimed to educate quantum science and technology professionals across the region and promote the creation of a local quantum ecosystem.
In addition to these collaborations, IonQ has also partnered with QuantumBasel in Switzerland. These partnerships underscore IonQ’s commitment to fostering quantum ecosystems through groundbreaking research, technology, and innovative solutions.
IonQ, Inc. is a prominent player in the quantum computing field, delivering high-performance systems capable of addressing the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a series of advanced systems featuring 35 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth have been recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500™ List. IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before through its availability on all major cloud providers.