KRISS as a Leading Institute for the National Project

to Establish Quantum Infrastructure in Korea

Quantum technology is a strategic technology essential for future industries and security, and it has been drawing greater investment from major countries around the world. With the goal of joining the top four countries in quantum technology by 2030, the Korean government has laid out technical goals in specific areas and is reinforcing related support. By the early 2030s, it aims to present demonstrations of error-free quantum computers that surpass supercomputers and to expand the current 100-km quantum cryptography technology to the level of a nationwide network.

KRISS, which aims to become the Korea’s top research institute in quantum technology, is playing a pivotal role in advancing the field of quantum technology in Korea. KRISS is currently leading "the Quantum Computing Infrastructure Development Project," launched for intensive development of quantum technology and related infrastructure. On June 9, 2022, a kick-off meeting was held in the presence of Lee Jong-Ho, the Minister of Science and ICT, and 50 delegates from the participating organizations. The goal of this project is to independently develop a 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer, the third in the world after the United States and China. KRISS plans to construct the Quantum Computing Research Building within its grounds by 2023 and complete the development of a 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer and cloud service demonstration by 2026.

△ Proclamation Ceremony for Vision of "Leap to the Leading Country in Quantum Technologies" in 2022

KRISS has divided roles based on institutional capabilities under the Center for Superconducting Quantum Computing System, newly established to develop the superconducting quantum computing system. In addition, through active communication with companies that utilize quantum computing, it plans to contribute to the creation of an industrial ecosystem, thereby supporting the participation of domestic equipment companies and cloud service companies. 

KRISS is also participating in the development of core technology for quantum internet in a project led by two other government-funded research institutes in Korea, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute(ETRI) and Korea Institute of Science and Technology(KIST). It is carrying out various tasks in collaboration with the two government-funded research institutes and related agencies. The institute will conduct technological research to develop an initial model of wireless and wired quantum relay devices and secure source technology of quantum memory, a key component of future quantum relay devices. 

In March 2023, KRISS was officially designated as "the national technology strategy center for quantum technology" by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This is the result of KRISS being designated as a pilot national technology strategy center in September last year, its achievements in supporting the establishment of a national quantum technology roadmap, conducting related technology trend surveys, and serving as a professional hub for quantum experts. In the future, KRISS will establish a quantum research and development investment strategy covering all areas of quantum science and technology, such as quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensors. It will not only investigate and analyze quantum investment issues at home and abroad but also perform various related tasks, including in-depth technology strategic research on quantum investment.

△ Superconducting Quantum Computer Developed by KRISS