The South Korean government has unveiled its first comprehensive masterplan to develop a quantum industry in the country, with the goal of becoming one of the world's top quantum chip manufacturers by 2035.

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced on Thursday that this masterplan includes fostering 2,000 quantum companies and cultivating 10,000 quantum professionals over the next nine years.

The MSIT's plan is to build a quantum industry ecosystem by collaborating with businesses, academic institutions and research organizations. One of the ministry's objectives is to enable South Korea to develop a homegrown "full-stack quantum computer" by 2028. This computer would be used alongside AI to drive industrial innovation in major sectors, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and finance.

"Quantum technology is a disruptive innovation that will determine national competitiveness in the post-AI era. We will concentrate all national capabilities – including industry, academia, research institutes, and government – to enable Korea to leap forward as a global hub for quantum technology and industry," Deputy Prime Minister and MSIT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said in a statement.

Building quantum clusters

The MSIT also revealed that the government intends to establish quantum clusters in five locations across the country as part of its initiative to develop a self-sustaining quantum industry ecosystem. The government plans to finalize the designated regions by July of this year.

The MSIT said that these clusters will be the sites of quantum transformation, where advanced industries can meet quantum technology.

While the country is developing homegrown technologies, it is also keen on collaborating with foreign companies to advance quantum computing.

The MSIT has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based IonQ, which will see the company establishing a joint research center in South Korea and investing US$5 million annually – for a total of $15 million – over the next three years. 

IonQ is expected to bring quantum computing technology to the country this year and connect it to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information's supercomputer in order to create a "hybrid research environment."

Meanwhile, the MSIT has formed the Quantum Technology Council to help the government overcome practical challenges when using quantum technology in various industries. The council will also seek to help establish an early quantum market in South Korea.

South Korea's three major telecom operators – SK Telecom, KT Corporation, and LG Uplus – are part of the Quantum Technology Council, along with other members from various sectors, including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics from manufacturing, and Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank from banking. 

Source：https://www.lightreading.com/business-transformation/south-korea-charts-roadmap-for-quantum-industry-growth