IonQ announced on the 9th that the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has secured millions of dollars in government budget for the “Quantum Computing Service and Utilization System Project,” accelerating efforts to establish the nation’s first National Quantum Computing Center. IonQ, headquartered in College Park, Maryland, has been selected as the project’s core quantum technology partner, while MegazoneCloud will support cloud infrastructure.
The new center will develop and operate quantum services and research platforms accessible to both academia and industry. This center aims to lay the groundwork for the practical adoption of quantum computing in Korea, directly linking researchers and enterprises with the advanced computing resources they require.
Under the partnership, IonQ will provide a next-generation quantum system with up to 100 qubits, which will be integrated into a private cloud–based hybrid quantum–classical computing environment. This will enable researchers to remotely access high-performance quantum resources, conduct experimental approaches to complex problems, and explore industrial applications.
Beyond technical support, IonQ will also deliver technology transfer and consulting services to enhance operational efficiency and system stability. The project is positioned not as a one-off deployment, but as a strategic long-term investment in Korea’s quantum ecosystem, aiming to secure national capabilities in the field.
Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, said, “This infrastructure project led by KISTI represents a pivotal investment in elevating Korea’s research and innovation ecosystem. We are committed to establishing practical use cases of quantum technology in Korea through this project.”
KISTI President Sik Lee stated, “Through our partnership with IonQ, we will accumulate expertise in the operation, service, and utilization of quantum platforms, while fostering the spread of research across industries. This project will not be limited to short-term outcomes but will contribute to the long-term establishment of the quantum computing industry in Korea.”
The collaboration builds on an MoU signed on April 16, under which IonQ and KISTI pledged close cooperation to help Korea secure leadership in the global quantum economy. IonQ is already working with leading Korean corporations such as Hyundai Motor, SK Telecom, and Intellian Technologies, as well as top academic institutions including Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University, further advancing the country’s quantum technology ecosystem.