KRISS, Korea University, LG Electronics, and SDT Sign MoU to Develop Neutral Atom Quantum Computers

▲  Group Photo of KRISS-Korea University-LG Electronics-SDT Signing Ceremony

On Friday, November 29, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), in collaboration with Korea University, LG Electronics, and SDT, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to lead the development and ecosystem activation of neutral atom-based quantum computing technologies. This marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership, as the first-ever consortium of industry-university-research experts in Korea for the neutral atom quantum computing ecosystem.

Through this agreement, leading experts in Korea will build a close cooperation framework between industry-university-research organizations to promote joint research focused on the research, development, and commercialization of neutral atom quantum computing technology. Dr. Choi Jae Hyuk, Director of the Quantum Technology Institute of KRISS, Dr. Mun Jongchul, Principal Research Scientist of KRISS, Professor Kim Minhyuk of Korea University, Dr. Lee Geun Young, Senior Researcher of LG AI Research Institute, and CEO Yoon Ji-Won of SDT attended this ceremony.

Currently, the global quantum computing market is led by superconducting and ion trap-based technologies. However, neutral atom-based quantum computers are considered to have significant technological potential, with advantages in scalability, stability, and precise control. Neutral atom-based technology utilizes mature laser and optical technologies, making it highly suitable for large-scale qubit operations, and is thus recognized as a promising platform for next-generation quantum computers.

This joint industry-university-research cooperation will be a crucial step in laying the foundation for the commercialization including the research and development of neutral atom-based quantum computer technology, optical design, hardware and software development, and the acquisition of manufacturing and production technologies. Additionally, the partnership will focus on promoting the R&D outcomes, establishing strategies for global partnerships with research institutions and companies, and fostering a close cooperation system to enhance Korea’s competitiveness in quantum technologies.

To achieve these goals, KRISS and Korea University will be responsible for the research and development of neutral atom-based Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), LG Electronics will be responsible for middleware development and technology integration, and SDT will be responsible for establishing strategies for the commercialization of the quantum computing ecosystem, including hardware development and cloud services.

Following the MoU signing ceremony, the participants visited the KRISS Neutral Atom Quantum Computing Laboratory, led by Dr. Mun Jongchul, to discuss ongoing research and future cooperation plans.

The significance of this agreement lies in the fact that Korea’s leading research institutions and companies have come together to work on the commercialization of neutral atom-based quantum computing technology and building a national quantum technology ecosystem.

KRISS, which has accumulated over 30 years of expertise in quantum technology research, successfully developed the foundational technology for a 100-qubit neutral atom quantum computer earlier this year. Given that securing diverse technological platforms is essential for the commercialization of quantum computers, KRISS plans to actively pursue this joint industry-university-research cooperation.

Starting next year, the "Quantum Flagship Projects" will be launched to drive the development of quantum science and technology in Korea. In the field of quantum computing, the goal of the project is to develop a 1,000-qubit quantum computer using domestic technology. Among the various quantum computing platforms in this project, the superconducting and neutral atom-based technologies, led by KRISS, have been included as core platforms. To achieve the project's goals of a significant leap in quantum science and technology and building a quantum ecosystem, it is essential to consolidate the capabilities of relevant industry-university-research cooperation.

With this agreement, KRISS is expected to accelerate the development of the neutral atom-based quantum computing ecosystem and play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the flagship project, based on its exceptional research capabilities.