2024-01-10
The open quantum foundry services, with dedicated facilities for quantum component fabrication, will begin full operation this year. Despite budget constraints in research and development (R&D), the Ministry of Science and ICT has allocated a budget of 128.5 billion won for quantum-specific projects, representing a 32.7% increase compared to last year, aiming to establish a foundation for global quantum technology leadership.
On the 10th,the Ministry of Science and ICT held the ‘3rd K-Quantum Square Meeting’ at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, presenting the direction of quantum science and technology policy and projects for 2024.
The Ministry plans to finish the pilot operations for the superconducting quantum fab this year and launch professional foundry services.
Quantum Fab is a service platform to vitalize the quantum information and communication industry. Companies or research institutes can utilize the facility dedicated to quantum device processing which is challenging in conventional semiconductor cleanrooms. This enables specialized manufacturing services, process development, and workforce training.
The fab has completed the construction of the cleanrooms, as well as the installation of 42 equipment for production and performance evaluation, and small-scale characterization testbed with a focus on superconducting qubits. For full-scale operation, it has also completed the training of on-site professionals using advanced equipment and facilities in the Korea Advanced Nanotechnology Center. It also conducted pilot operations such as design and production consulting through specialized personnel and outsourcing of production and test evaluations.
The Ministry plans to complete the installation of additional equipment such as electron beam lithography and laser patterning equipment by early this year. It also aims to launch full-scale foundry services for the batch and unit process of quantum device production and evaluation to contribute to the domestic quantum technology.
The Minister Lee Jong-ho stated, “We will build Korea together into a quantum science and technology powerhouse, through diverse disciplines, researchers, and active collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions.”
The event, themed ‘Expanding the Ecosystem through Quantum+X and Activating Quantum Convergence Research,’ brought together over 450 participants, including key stakeholders in quantum science and technology, and professionals in related fields. They shared information and trends related to the status of the domestic quantum ecosystem and participated in expert panel discussions on strategies to enhance quantum convergence research.