KISTI Selected to Lead National Project,“the Establishment of Quantum Computing Services and Utilization Framework”

- Introduction of IonQ’s 100-qubit quantum computer Tempo

- Implementation of an integrated quantum–supercomputing infrastructure service

□ The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has been selected as the lead organization for “the Establishment of Quantum Computing Services and Utilization Framework” set forth by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This is a key national R&D initiative aimed at establishing a quantum-computing resource base on a national scale and integrating quantum computers with supercomputing infrastructure.

□ The project consortium includes Megazone Cloud as the joint research organisation, along with SDT Co., Sookmyung Women’s University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and Kumo National University of Technology as subcontracted research institutes. Collaboration will span quantum computer deployment, service platform development, quantum-supercomputing hybrid technology development, user support and dissemination.

□ Tempo, the next-generation trapped-ion quantum computer built by IonQ, will be installed at KISTI’s headquarters. This barium-ion system offers long coherence times, high fidelity, and full all-to-all qubit connectivity—the characteristics that enable broad application potential in quantum computing. KISTI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IonQ on April 16. 

□ Drawing on its long-standing experience in operating national supercomputing infrastructure, KISTI will build and operate a stable quantum-computing infrastructure, enabling a research and demonstration platform accessible to Korean researchers. Furthermore, a hybrid computing platform will be implemented in collaboration with Korea’s forthcoming 6th national supercomputer, expected to be operational in 2026.

□ Beyond infrastructure, KISTI plans to collaborate with partner organisations to develop and disseminate industry-applicable quantum-computing platforms. KISTI will operate various programs including quantum-computing training, hands-on hackathons and workshops, and industry-tailored consulting—creating an environment where academia, industry and research institutions can directly engage with and utilise quantum-computing technology.

□ As the National Supercomputing Center under law, KISTI has long supported advanced problem-solving in academia and industry using national R&D data infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC). With this project, KISTI further strengthens its role as a public R&D infrastructure provider in the quantum-computing domain.

□ “I am confident that this newly introduced quantum computer will operate not only independently, but also in hybrid mode with our supercomputer. This will support Korean researchers, students and corporate specialists in effectively harnessing the quantum-computing environment,” said Dr Sik Lee, President of KISTI. “Through this project, we aim to accumulate national-level operational, service and utilization experience across a variety of quantum platforms, and thereby contribute to advancing quantum-computing research and the industrial ecosystem in Korea.”

IonQ’s “Tempo”

KISTI Signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IonQ