Korea to Host 'APEC Quantum Forum'... Leap Toward Becoming Asia-Pacific Quantum Technology Hub

Ministry of Science and ICT to Host Forum in Gwangju on the 22nd
with Leading Scholars from 10 Member Economies

The Ministry of Science and ICT will host the "APEC Quantum Science and Technology Forum" at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju on October 22, 2025, in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This forum is expected to strengthen quantum research collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region and serve as a stepping stone for Korea to establish itself as a quantum technology hub.

This forum is linked to both the Korean Physical Society's Fall Conference and the APEC event, bringing together speakers from 10 APEC member economies-namely Korea, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Austria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Peru-as well as over 2,000 scientists from Korea and abroad.

Last June, at the aT Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, visitors at the Korea Institute of Standards and Science booth during 'Quantum Korea 2025' were examining a model of a superconducting-based 50-qubit quantum computer. Photo by Yonhap News

The forum will be held under the theme "Applying quantum technologies with transformative potential across diverse industries in the region." Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including the industrialization of quantum technologies, research collaboration, and talent development. This event is also expected to further strengthen the network among researchers in the APEC region.

In particular, Peter Zoller, a world-renowned scholar from the University of Innsbruck in Austria and recipient of the Benjamin W. Lee Professorship, will deliver a special lecture on "Quantum Simulation with Atoms and Ions." Professor Zoller will present the latest research achievements in next-generation quantum computing using atoms and ions, as well as the potential for industrial applications.

Kang Sangwook, Director-General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "This forum will further enhance collaboration in quantum science and technology within the APEC region and serve as a global platform for expanding cooperation beyond research and development to industry and talent cultivation. The government will continue to actively support international joint research and exchanges to help Korea become the quantum technology hub of the Asia-Pacific region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.