KRISS and KAIST Sign Agreement for

Joint Operation of Graduate School of Quantum S&T

- Cooperating to Secure Korea’s Competitiveness 

in Quantum S&T Through Specialized Training -

- Aiming to Create an Environment for Quantum Research 

with Research Funding from KRISS, 

Alongside Initiatives on Joint Campus and Faculty -

# On June 27th, President Suk Yeol Yoon announced “Korea’s National Quantum Strategy,” outlining plans to invest a minimum of 3 trillion KRW in the fields of quantum science and technology (S&T) by 2035 to catch up with approximately 85 % of the achievements of leading countries. While the national R&D budget is being restructured, proactive support is expected to continue for fostering professionals in fields related to future fundamental technologies, such as quantum technology.

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS, President Hyun-min Park) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, President Kwang Hyung Lee) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at KRISS on July 10th.

Through this MoU, they have agreed to jointly operate a Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology to foster top-notch professionals in quantum information S&T, with the aim of enhancing the environment for quantum research and strengthening Korea’s global competitiveness. Established in February 2023, the Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology is set to commence in the fall semester, marking this agreement as a significant milestone.

The collaboration involves sharing space and facilities at a joint campus, where students will receive education through co-supervision by KRISS researchers and KAIST faculty. Additionally, the MoU suggests the joint development and operation of multidisciplinary courses, including physics, electronics, and information technology.

△ Superconducting-based 50-qubit quantum computer model by KRISS

For this new collabration, KRISS will provide annual research funding of up to 1 billion KRW to the Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology. The total duration of support is nine years, but every three years, the two stakeholders will decide whether to continue the support, taking achievements into consideration.

Dr. Hyun-min Park, the president of KRISS, stated, "Since the establishment of the Quantum Technology Institute in the early 2000s, KRISS has accumulated remarkable achievements in various fields related to quantum, including quantum communication, sensing, and computing." He further mentioned, "By combining our practical experience with the excellent education programs of KAIST, we aim to contribute to the cultivation of human resources to make Korea a powerhouse of quantum research.

Dr. Kwang Hyung Lee, the president of KAIST, commented, "This agreement represents a meaningful endeavor to maximize the synergy by close collaboration between the university and the government-funded research institute." He added, "Through the joint operation of the Graduate School of Quantum Science and Technology, we hope to contribute to enhancing Korea’s competitiveness and fostering specialized professionals in the field of quantum."