IonQ will deliver a 100-qubit quantum system to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) by December 23, 2025. The IonQ Tempo system will anchor South Korea’s largest quantum-classical compute platform, integrated with the KISTI-6 supercomputer. This delivery marks a key milestone in establishing a National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence in the country.
IonQ and KISTI Finalize 100-Qubit Tempo System Delivery
This system integrates with KISTI-6, Korea’s largest high-performance computing cluster, creating the nation’s first onsite hybrid environment. Researchers will access this combined capability through a secure private cloud, facilitating work across academic institutions and businesses. IonQ achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025, demonstrating advancements in quantum computing performance. The collaboration aims to unlock value in areas like healthcare, finance, and materials science through research and practical applications.
KISTI-6 Integration Creates Hybrid Quantum-Classical Platform
The integration of the 100-qubit IonQ Tempo system with KISTI-6, also known as HANKANG, establishes South Korea’s first hybrid quantum-classical computing environment. KISTI-6 is the nation’s largest high-performance computing cluster, and this pairing creates a platform for combined research initiatives. This onsite integration allows researchers to utilize both quantum and classical resources, potentially accelerating discoveries across multiple fields. This new capability will be accessible via a secure private cloud, expanding access to South Korean researchers, universities, and businesses. KISTI will oversee the development of a quantum computing service and research platform, with IonQ designated as the primary quantum technology provider for the project.
This is a defining moment for both IonQ and South Korea, as we deploy our most advanced quantum systems to address the nation’s most significant research and innovation challenges.
Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ
99% Two-Qubit Fidelity Achieved in 2025
This world-record measurement signifies improved accuracy in performing operations on qubits, essential for complex calculations. Such high fidelity rates reduce errors and improve the reliability of quantum computations, moving the technology closer to practical applications. This achievement supports IonQ’s goal of building powerful quantum computers, with a stated intention to deliver a system with 2 million qubits by 2030. The company’s systems, including the IonQ Forte and Forte Enterprise, have already shown 20x performance improvements for customers. Advancements like these are intended to accelerate innovation in fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and financial modeling.
Asia-Pacific Expansion Includes Korean Partnerships & Cloud Access
IonQ’s partnership with KISTI extends beyond delivering a 100-qubit system to South Korea; it establishes the nation’s largest quantum-classical compute platform, named HANKANG. This integration combines IonQ’s Tempo 100 system with KISTI-6, Korea’s existing high-performance computing cluster, creating a unique hybrid environment. The collaboration also broadens IonQ’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, building on existing relationships in Japan and Korea. Alongside KISTI, IonQ is working with cloud provider Megazone Cloud to ensure access to the quantum resources through a secure private cloud. This reflects a larger trend of IonQ’s growth, as demonstrated by its partnerships with companies like SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor, and several leading universities.
