Classiq Technologies, a leading global quantum software company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Quantum Information Research Support Center (QCenter) at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) to foster cooperation in quantum computing education. Following the agreement, the company held its first public training session in Korea using its proprietary platform.
Classiq announced on the 26th that it finalized the partnership at SKKU’s Natural Sciences Campus and subsequently held a joint educational program at Seoul Square. The primary objective of this collaboration is to strengthen quantum software capabilities and cultivate a specialized workforce capable of implementing quantum solutions in industrial settings.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will pursue several strategic initiatives, including: Developing specialized talent in quantum computing, planning joint academic-industrial research and training programs, and enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic quantum ecosystem. Notably, this marks the first time QCenter has entered into an educational partnership with a pure-play software firm rather than a hardware provider.
The public training session drew 50 participants from industry, academia, and research institutes. Organizers noted a significant surge in interest compared to traditional hardware-focused sessions, reflecting a rapidly growing domestic demand for quantum design and optimization software.
Yonuk Chong, the Director of QCenter, said, “This partnership will serve as a catalyst for expanding a software-centric quantum ecosystem. By linking with global leaders, we aim to systematically train talent ready for immediate industrial application and strengthen our role as a hub connecting domestic research with the industry.”
Akira Tanaka, Head of Asia-Pacific at Classiq, highlighted, “Along with Japan and China, Korea is a standout market for quantum technology growth in the APAC region. We plan to accelerate our domestic business expansion and strategic partnerships starting this year, leveraging our collaboration with QCenter.” Tanaka added that following the appointment of a Korean Commercial Director last year, the company has recently hired quantum algorithm engineers to bolster its local technical support system.
Classiq provides a platform that automatically transforms high-level functional models into optimized, hardware-ready quantum circuits. Using its proprietary modeling language, Qmod, and an EDA-based (Electronic Design Automation) synthesis engine, the company claims to reduce circuit depth by up to 98% while maintaining accuracy. This allows developers to design and implement algorithms without an understanding of complex hardware architecture.
Classiq currently supplies its platform to global giants such as BMW Group, Comcast, Rolls-Royce, SoftBank, and LG CNS. With over $200 million in cumulative investment, the company was also recognized in Fast Company’s “Next Big Thing in Tech 2025.”
Established in 2020 as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s initiative to build a quantum research ecosystem, QCenter was recently reselected to lead the center for the next five years. It provides cloud-based research support and is advancing a comprehensive research system—from design to fabrication—through its Quantum FAB infrastructure.
This partnership is a pivotal move in the Korean quantum sector, signaling a shift in focus from hardware-centric development toward software applications and industrial integration.