IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, has renewed its alliance with South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) to provide continued access to IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems for research and academic purposes. The partnership aims to establish South Korea as a global hub for quantum computing. Peter Chapman, CEO of IonQ, emphasized the importance of training the next generation of quantum researchers with the latest hardware. The collaboration has already resulted in quantum machine learning and chemical engineering advancements. IonQ’s quantum systems are available through Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Renewal of Quantum Alliance between IonQ and Sungkyunkwan University
IonQ, a prominent entity in the quantum computing sector, has recently announced the extension of its partnership with South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). This collaboration aims to provide researchers and academics with continued access to IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems. The alliance, which is facilitated through SKKU’s Q Center, has already provided numerous South Korean users with hands-on training and mentorship from IonQ, enabling them to develop and implement innovative quantum applications. This renewal signifies the mutual interest of both parties in positioning South Korea as a global center for quantum computing.
Peter Chapman, CEO and President of IonQ, emphasized equipping the upcoming generation of quantum researchers and academics with the most recent hardware. He stated that the renewal of their partnership with SKKU would ensure that users across South Korea would continue to have access to IonQ’s current and future-generation systems. This access would enable them to explore innovative solutions for today’s most intricate challenges.
Quantum Computing Applications in South Korea
Since 2021, researchers and academics across South Korea have utilized IonQ’s systems to create and implement quantum computing applications in various fields, including quantum machine learning and chemical engineering. SKKU is renowned as a leading research institution in nanotechnology research, a crucial component in developing future-generation quantum systems.
Yonuk Chong, SKKU Professor of SAINT (SKKU Advanced Institute of NanoTechnology), expressed satisfaction with the research results achieved using IonQ’s systems. He also expressed anticipation for the continuation of their alliance in the upcoming years. He emphasized that establishing South Korea as a global leader in quantum computing remains a top priority for the South Korean government. He believes that IonQ’s trapped-ion systems have demonstrated tangible value in achieving this objective.
IonQ’s Initiatives in South Korea
The announcement is the latest in a series of initiatives by IonQ across South Korea. In 2023, IonQ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). This MOU aimed to educate quantum science and technology professionals and promote the creation of a local quantum ecosystem. IonQ has also collaborated with Hyundai Motors for several years, applying quantum computing to projects such as object detection for autonomous vehicles and increased efficiency for electric vehicle batteries.
IonQ’s quantum systems can be accessed through the cloud on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud and through direct API access. For more information on how to get started on an IonQ system, interested parties can directly contact IonQ.
