Incheon City and Yonsei University Collaborate to Establish Korea's First Quantum Computing Center in Songdo

Lee Won-jae, Head of Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (from left), Park Nam-chun, Mayor of Incheon, and Seo Seung-hwan, President of Yonsei University, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing the "Quantum Computing Center Attraction and Ecosystem Development Memorandum of Understanding" on the 20th.
[Photo by Incheon City]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City and Yonsei University are joining forces to attract the country's first Quantum Computing Center to Songdo International City.

On the 20th, Incheon City signed a "Quantum Computing Center Attraction and Ecosystem Development Memorandum of Understanding" attended by Mayor Park Namchun, Lee Wonjae, head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, and Seosunghwan, president of Yonsei University.

According to the agreement, the two institutions will cooperate on ▲ constructing a Quantum Computing Center and developing an ecosystem within Yonsei University's Songdo International Campus ▲ activating quantum industry and research through partnerships with related organizations ▲ securing projects related to quantum computer operations.

Quantum computers are innovative next-generation computers expected to be millions of times more powerful than existing supercomputers.

Utilizing logical operations based on the principles of quantum mechanics, they process information at revolutionary speeds and solve problems that supercomputers cannot, making them actively used in fields such as bio and new drug development.

In December last year, the government announced the selection of "10 essential national strategic technologies" that require national capabilities and competitiveness, among which quantum technology is recognized as a future-leading technology.

If a quantum computer is installed at Yonsei University's International Campus, it will be the world's fourth following the United States, Germany, and Japan.

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to create a quantum computing industry ecosystem cluster involving companies, universities, research institutes, medical institutions, startups, and government agencies to generate added value once the Quantum Computing Center is established.

Especially since it is widely used in bio fields such as new drug development, it is expected to be closely linked with the Songdo Bio Cluster, further solidifying Songdo's status as a global bio hub city.

Seosunghwan, president of Yonsei University, said, "We will also establish a provisional Quantum Information Technology Research Institute at the International Campus to lead domestic quantum computing research and ecosystem development."

Mayor Park Namchun stated, "We will do our best to promote research and industry-academia activities by actively utilizing the Quantum Computing Center for local SMEs, startups, universities, and R&D centers, thereby revitalizing the regional industry."

Commercial Quantum Computer Unveiled at International Electronics and IT Expo
Photo by Yonhap News

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