Yonsei University in South Korea is set to launch the country’s first quantum computing hub at its Songdo International Campus, featuring an IBM Quantum System One powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor. The Quantum Computing Center, scheduled to open on November 20, 2024, will provide researchers with unprecedented access to advanced quantum technology.
According to Cheong Jae-ho, head of the university’s quantum business division, the system will support quantum research for biotech applications, including drug development. This marks a significant milestone for South Korea as a quantum computing hub, offering a collaborative space for organizations, academics, and researchers to work together on cutting-edge projects. The center is part of a larger 8,500 sqm complex that will also house a quantum research facility, solidifying Yonsei University’s position at the forefront of quantum technology innovation.
Establishing a Quantum Computing Hub in South Korea
Yonsei University in South Korea has taken a significant step forward in the field of quantum computing by establishing the country’s first quantum computing hub at its Songdo International Campus. The Quantum Computing Center, set to open on November 20, 2024, will house an IBM Quantum System One, powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor. This marks a significant milestone for South Korea as it aims to become a major player in the field of quantum computing.
The IBM Quantum System One is a cutting-edge technology that requires an operating temperature of 0.015 Kelvin to enable the qubits to maintain their quantum state. The quantum processor chip, which holds the qubits and performs the calculations, is positioned towards the bottom of the chandelier. This system will provide researchers in South Korea with unprecedented access to a high-performance quantum computer, allowing them to explore new possibilities in fields such as biotech applications, including drug development.
Prior to this development, researchers in South Korea had limited access to experimental quantum computers with a maximum performance of 20 qubits. Moreover, they had to contend with high fees and delays associated with connecting to quantum computers, largely in the US, via the cloud. The establishment of the Quantum Computing Center at Yonsei University is expected to overcome these limitations and provide a much-needed boost to quantum research in the country.
Advancing Quantum Research and Collaboration
The Quantum Computing Center at Yonsei University will not only provide researchers with access to a high-performance quantum computer but also serve as a hub for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The university is also developing a quantum research complex on the same site, which will total 8,500 sqm when complete. This complex will provide a space for organizations, academics, and researchers to collaborate and advance quantum research in various fields.
According to Cheong Jae-ho, head of the university’s quantum business division, the IBM Quantum System One will be used to support quantum research for biotech applications, including drug development. The establishment of the Quantum Computing Center is expected to foster talent in quantum technology and drive innovation in South Korea.
Overcoming Limitations of Cloud-Based Quantum Computing
The deployment of the IBM Quantum System One at Yonsei University’s Quantum Computing Center marks a significant shift away from cloud-based quantum computing, which has been the norm until now. Researchers in South Korea had to rely on connecting to quantum computers in the US via the cloud, which was often associated with high fees and delays.
The establishment of an on-premise quantum computer at Yonsei University will overcome these limitations and provide researchers with faster and more reliable access to a high-performance quantum computer. This is expected to accelerate the pace of quantum research in South Korea and enable researchers to explore new possibilities in fields such as biotech applications, including drug development.
Fostering Talent in Quantum Technology
The establishment of the Quantum Computing Center at Yonsei University is about providing access to a high-performance quantum computer and fostering talent in quantum technology. The university’s quantum business division, led by Cheong Jae-ho, aims to collaborate with industry partners to develop a workforce skilled in quantum technology.
This is critical for South Korea as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the field of quantum computing. By developing a talented workforce, the country can drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of quantum technology, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.
A Milestone for South Korea’s Quantum Computing Ambitions
Establishing the Quantum Computing Center at Yonsei University marks a significant milestone for South Korea’s quantum computing ambitions. The country has been actively pursuing a strategy to become a major player in the field, and this development is a critical step forward.
With the deployment of the IBM Quantum System One, South Korea can now boast of having one of the most advanced quantum computers in the region. This is expected to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of quantum technology, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development. As Cheong Jae-ho noted, “This marks a milestone for South Korea as a quantum computing hub.”
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