Korea Quantum Computing and IBM collaborate to bring IBM watsonx and Quantum Computing to Korea and Terra Quantum AG signs MoU with Korean cloud managed services provider MegazoneCloud.
Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) has engaged IBM to offer IBM’s most advanced AI software and infrastructure, as well as Quantum Computing services.
KQC’s ecosystem of users will have access to IBM’s full stack solution for AI, including watsonx, an AI and data platform to train, tune and deploy advanced AI models and software for enterprises.
KQC is also expanding its Quantum Computing collaboration with IBM. Having operated as an IBM Quantum Innovation Center since 2022, KQC will continue to offer access to IBM’s global fleet of utility-scale quantum systems over the cloud.
Additionally, IBM and KQC plan to deploy an IBM Quantum System Two on-site at KQC in Busan, South Korea by 2028.
“KQC is providing versatile computing infrastructure in Korea through our collaboration with IBM. Our robust hardware computing resources and core software in quantum and AI are poised not only to meet the growing demand for high performance computing, but also to catalyze industry utilization and ecosystem development. We are working to diligently enhance services and infrastructure through this collaboration as well as with our industry-specific partners,” said Ji Hoon Kweon, Chairman, KQC.
“We are excited to work with KQC to deploy AI and quantum systems to Drive innovation across Korean industries. With this engagement, KQC clients will have the ability to train, fine-tune and deploy advanced AI models, using IBM watsonx and advanced AI infrastructure. Additionally, by having the opportunity to access IBM quantum systems over the cloud, today – and a next-generation quantum system in the coming years – KQC members will be able to combine the power of AI and quantum to develop new applications to address their industries’ toughest problems,” said Darío Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research.
This collaboration includes an investment in infrastructure to support the development and deployment of generative AI.
Plans for the AI-optimized infrastructure includes advanced GPUs and IBM’s Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), managed with Red Hat OpenShift to provide a cloud-native environment.
Together, the GPU system and AIU combination is being engineered to offer members state-of-the-art hardware to power AI research and business opportunities.
To provide a full stack solution, this collaboration will also include access for KQC’s clients to Red Hat OpenShift AI for management and runtime needs and IBM’s watsonx platform to empower generative AI and the next wave of computing technology.
By leveraging watsonx software for its workflows and solutions, KQC members will have access to generative AI technologies for the enterprise.
In addition to IBM, KQC is also collaborating with other Korean organizations on contributions to the country’s Quantum Computing ecosystem.
“KQC has been actively building quantum research collaborations with leading domestic companies in the financial, bio-healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
“Last year, Dankook University Hospital joined as a co-research member in quantum healthcare.
“Additionally, as members of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center, Hanlim Pharmaceutical has started joint research for new Drug discovery and DNEURO, a Korean financial software start up, is developing quantum algorithms in option pricing and portfolio optimization,” said Dr. Joon Young Kim, CEO, KQC.
Meantime, German-Swiss based quantum leader Terra Quantum AG has partnered with leading Korean cloud solutions provider MegazoneCloud to drive adoption of transformative technologies in key Asian markets.
The two have signed an MoU that opens the possibility for both companies to build joint technological solutions to Drive quantum innovation for both the private sector, such as financial services and manufacturing, and the public sector, such as weather forecasting and Smart City projects.
The agreement looks to foster a conducive ecosystem by encouraging the corporate adoption of Quantum Computing in Asian markets, specifically targeting the enhancement of locally relevant industrial applications and upskilling talent to bridge the region’s gap in private investment in quantum technology.
With South Korea’s recent investment of over $2.3 billion in the global quantum economy, covered in the 2024 State of Quantum Report from Lakestar, the Terra Quantum MegazoneCloud MoU highlights the role European quantum technology can play in the Asian market.
Under the terms of the agreement, Terra Quantum and MegazoneCloud will combine their complementary strengths to develop cutting-edge
Quantum Computing algorithms and applications tailored to Drive technological advancement across Asia – with a focus on the South Korean market.
“Our partnership with MegazoneCloud represents a pivotal step in our mission to democratize access to Quantum Computing on a global scale,” said Markus Pflitsch, CEO and Founder, Terra Quantum.
“Combining our expertise in quantum software development with MegazoneCloud’s cloud solutions, we are well-positioned to unlock value for private and public organizations in South Korea and Asia which marks a strategically important step in our efforts to further expand into the Asian market.”
Max Lee, CEO, MegazoneCloud, said: “This synergistic collaboration empowers us to deliver cutting-edge, quantum-enhanced solutions that create significant impact and value for customers across industries.”
South Korea is aiming to boost its quantum technology capabilities to 85% of US levels by 2035, through a substantial increase from previous funding levels, according to the Korea Quantum Science and Technology Strategy by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Government and local authorities are looking to position the country as a significant player in the global quantum economy.
