South Korea Pledges $2.3 Billion to Become Quantum Tech Powerhouse by 2035

South Korea plans to invest over $2.3 billion in quantum science and technology by 2035, aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest powerhouse in the sector. The government will partner with IBM and IonQ Inc. to train quantum technology experts. The goal is to increase the number of doctoral quantum researchers from 384 to 2,500 by 2023. Major companies like Hyundai, Samsung, LG, SK Telecom, and POSCO are also boosting their efforts to develop and use quantum technologies. SK Telecom has developed a quantum random number generator chip for Samsung smartphones.

This investment is a significant increase from the country’s quantum technology funding between 2019 and 2023. The government will invest 2.4 trillion won into physics and engineering by 2035, while the private sector will contribute 600 billion won by 2027, with further investments planned depending on technological development and business conditions.

Korea aims to increase its quantum technology advancement to 85% of the US’ level by 2035, up from the current 62.5%. To achieve this, the ministry has partnered with companies such as IBM and IonQ Inc. to train quantum technology experts. The number of doctoral quantum researchers is expected to increase from 384 to 2,500 by 2023, and the workforce with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from 1,000 to 10,000 during the same period.

Quantum Technology Development Goals

South Korea has set ambitious goals for its quantum technology development. The government plans to increase its global quantum technology ranking to fourth with a 10% market share by 2035, up from the current 10th place with a 1.8% share. It also aims to increase the number of local firms that supply or use the technology from 80 to 1,200 during the same period.

The authorities plan to commercialise quantum computers with more than 1,000 qubits, nationwide communication networks, and sensors related to the technology in stages. Quantum computers with more than 1,000 qubits are yet to be launched in the global market. IBM plans to unveil Condor this year, the first universal quantum computer with 1,121 qubits.

Quantum Technology in South Korean Companies

Major South Korean companies, such as Hyundai Motor Co., Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc., SK Telecom Co. and POSCO Holdings Inc., are increasing their efforts to develop and use quantum technologies in their businesses. Hyundai Motor has been using quantum computing to discover cheaper alternatives to platinum, a catalyst for hydrogenation, since April of this year.

Samsung is conducting research to control quantum tunneling, which occurs when manufacturing 1-nanometer chips. The tunneling effect can interrupt ultra-fine semiconductor processes. LG, a home appliance company, has been using quantum computing for research on new materials for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and robot navigations.

Quantum Technology in Telecommunications and Steel Industry

SK Telecom, a mobile carrier in South Korea, has developed a quantum random number generator (QRNG) chip, which has been used in Samsung’s Galaxy Quantum series to enhance smartphone privacy security. This development is a significant step in applying quantum technology in telecommunications.

POSCO, a steel company, uses quantum algorithms to develop battery materials. This application of quantum technology in the steel industry shows the wide-ranging potential across various sectors.

The Future of Quantum Technology in South Korea

Quantum technology has enormous potential to change the world and innovate the economy and various sectors such as chemicals, medicine, security, and energy. The South Korean government plans to create a platform that connects Korean quantum researchers across the globe. Based on this platform, the authorities will build a robust infrastructure to develop quantum computing systems, communications, and sensors.

Summary

South Korea plans to invest over 3 trillion won ($2.3 billion) into quantum science and technology by 2035, aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest powerhouse in the sector and increase its global quantum technology ranking to fourth with a 10% market share. The government will also commercialise quantum computers with more than 1,000 qubits, nationwide communication networks and sensors related to the technology, while major companies like Hyundai, Samsung, LG, SK Telecom and POSCO are boosting their efforts to develop and use quantum technologies in their businesses.

• South Korea plans to invest over 3 trillion won ($2.3 billion) into quantum science and technology by 2035, aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest powerhouse in the sector.
• The investment is more than ten times the quantum technology funding in the country between 2019 and 2023.
• The government will invest 2.4 trillion won into physics and engineering by 2035, with the private sector contributing 600 billion won by 2027.
• The country aims to raise its quantum technology advancement to 85% of the US’ level by 2035, up from 62.5% currently.
• The science and ICT ministry has partnered with IBM and IonQ Inc. to train quantum technology experts.
• The government plans to increase the number of doctoral quantum researchers from 384 to 2,500 by 2023, and the workforce with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from 1,000 to 10,000 during the same period.
• South Korea aims to increase its global quantum technology ranking to fourth with a 10% market share by 2035, up from tenth with 1.8% currently.
• The authorities plan to commercialise quantum computers with more than 1,000 qubits, nationwide communication networks and sensors related to the technology.
• Major companies such as Hyundai Motor Co., Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc., SK Telecom Co. and POSCO Holdings Inc. are boosting their efforts to develop and use quantum technologies in their businesses.

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