Yonsei University (President Dong-Sup Yoon) and LigaChem Bio (CEO Yong-Zu Kim) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Quantum Computing Center of Yonsei University’s International Campus, establishing a strategic partnership to pursue the development of biopharmaceuticals using quantum computing. The two institutions aim to spearhead innovation in Korea’s biotech and pharmaceutical sectors by combining advanced quantum technologies with cutting-edge biomedical research.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Professor Jae Ho Cheong, Director of Yonsei’s Quantum Computing Initiative, and Ligachem CEO Yong-Zu Kim, both emphasizing the importance of close collaboration.
Under the agreement, Yonsei University will provide access to its quantum and hybrid classical computing infrastructure, as well as technical expertise in algorithm development for drug design. LigaChem Bio will lead new drug discovery projects utilizing quantum computing and will finance the use of Yonsei’s computational resources and algorithms, actively contributing to joint research efforts.
Yonsei recently became the first Korean institution—and only the second university globally—to install the IBM Quantum System One, featuring a 127-qubit Eagle processor, and provides high-performance computing capabilities based on supercomputing qubits.
Through this, Yonsei University will be able to conduct more precise and rapid research on complex molecular simulations, protein interaction analysis, and drug candidate optimization for new drug development. In addition, by establishing a hybrid classical-quantum computing environment, it plans to maximize synergy with existing computing technologies and expand the practical applicability of quantum computing in the bio and pharmaceutical fields.
The key contents of this agreement include developing quantum computing–based algorithms for drug design, building a hybrid computing platform for pharmaceutical innovation, conducting real-world drug development projects, evaluating drug efficacy using quantum simulations, and engaging in ongoing collaborative research on emerging challenges.
President Yoon stated, “Yonsei University is committed to advancing biomedical research through cutting-edge technologies, and this partnership with LigaChem will drive breakthroughs in quantum-based drug development.”
LigaChem CEO Kim added, “Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical development process. By working with Yonsei, we aim to dramatically improve drug discovery efficiency and deliver globally competitive biopharmaceuticals.”
Through this partnership, Yonsei University and LigaChem Bio plan to accelerate research into quantum-powered biomedicine, contributing to future advancements in science and industry alike.