World's No. 1 Quantum Chip, 2,000 Companies... Government Unveils First 'National Quantum Roadmap'

By 2035: 10,000 Quantum Professionals, World’s Top Utilization Rate, Third in International Standards
Samsung, LG, and SK Join Forces for Industrialization... IonQ to Invest $15 Million in Korea

The government has presented its first-ever national roadmap for quantum technology, outlining ambitious goals to be achieved by 2035: becoming the world's top quantum chip manufacturer, securing 10,000 quantum professionals, fostering 2,000 quantum companies, achieving the highest global utilization rate of quantum computers, and ranking third worldwide in the adoption of international standards. This marks the formalization of a comprehensive government plan for the quantum sector, with concrete targets aimed at the post-artificial intelligence (AI) era.

On January 29, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the "1st Comprehensive Plan for Fostering Quantum Science, Technology, and Industry" and the "1st Quantum Cluster Master Plan" at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. These are the first government-level master plans for the quantum sector, established under the "Act on the Promotion of Quantum Science, Technology, and Industry."

Paik Kyunghoon, Minister of Science and ICT, is speaking at a recent briefing. Photo by Yonhap News

'A National Declaration Targeting the Post-NEXT-AI Era'

The vision of this comprehensive plan is "Korea Leading NEXT-AI with Quantum Technology." The government has defined quantum technology not as a future research topic, but as a core infrastructure for national industrial competitiveness, and clarified its strategy to foster it as a next-generation growth engine in combination with AI.

In the long term, the government has set up a full-cycle goal system encompassing quantum chip manufacturing, workforce and company scale, utilization outcomes, and leadership in international standards, thereby promoting both technology development and industrial expansion simultaneously.

Vision and Goals Image of the 1st Quantum Cluster Master Plan. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT

In the field of quantum computing, a "Manufacturing Grand Challenge" will be launched to develop a domestically produced full-stack quantum computer. The aim is to achieve technological self-sufficiency in core areas spanning hardware, software, and algorithms to secure a "Korean Quantum Computer."

Industrial challenges that are difficult to solve with existing technologies in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and finance will be identified and addressed through a use-case competition for quantum-AI integration. A hybrid research infrastructure linking quantum computers, supercomputers, and AI will also be established to broaden the foundation for researchers and companies to utilize these technologies.

In the field of quantum communication, a nationwide quantum cryptography network will be built, with demonstration projects expanding from high-security sectors such as defense and finance. Quantum sensors will be commercialized early, focusing on medical and defense applications.

Building the Ecosystem through Clusters, Companies, and Global Cooperation

By 2030, the government will designate five quantum clusters in connection with regionally specialized industries, creating "Quantum Transformation (QX)" hubs where advanced industries and quantum technology converge. After a public call for proposals, the final locations will be confirmed in July of this year.

Enterprise-grade quantum computer IonQ Tempo. Provided by IonQ

From an industrial ecosystem perspective, quantum venture and startup investments will be expanded to foster 2,000 quantum companies by 2035. In addition, a "Quantum Technology Council" will be launched with the participation of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KT, KB Kookmin Bank, Hanwha Systems, and others, to address real-world industrial challenges and actively create early markets.

International cooperation will proceed in parallel. The government will introduce a quantum computer from the global quantum company IonQ to Korea and establish a research environment linked with the supercomputer at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI). IonQ plans to invest a total of 15 million dollars over three years and establish a joint research center in Korea.

Vice Prime Minister Paik Kyunghoon stated, "Quantum technology is a disruptive innovation that will determine national competitiveness in the post-AI era," adding, "Through this comprehensive plan, we will elevate Korea to the center of global quantum technology and industry."

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