Minister of Science and ICT visits to KRISS

- Expectations for KRISS’s Central Role in Quantum Science and Technology -

▲ Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT visits KRISS

On February 21, Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT visited the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS). During the visit, he toured the institute's key research facilities and hosted a "Research Field Meeting for Securing National Core Technologies," attended by the KRISS President, key personnel in the field of quantum technology, and representatives from industries that have received technology transfers from KRISS.

 

This forum was organized to discuss securing national core technologies in quantum technology, one of the 12 key national strategic technologies.

▲ Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT delivers a speech

In his speech, Minister Yoo Sang-im emphasized, "KRISS plays a very important role in the development of South Korea. This year marks the United Nations-designated 'International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ),' and KRISS’s role is crucial in securing the quantum industry ecosystem through continuous research and development and commercialization of quantum technology, a national strategic technology."

 

KRISS President Lee Ho Seong warmly welcomed the minister, and gave a presentation on the current status of KRISS, the development of quantum technology research, and the promotion of the commercialization of quantum technologies.

▲ KRISS President Lee Ho Seong presents the institute's development direction

President Lee Ho Seong stated, "This year marks the 50th anniversary of KRISS. Despite its relatively short history compared to National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) in advanced countries, KRISS ranks among the top five in the world in measurement capabilities. With this strength, we aim to contribute to enhancing national competitiveness through research and development in quantum technologies and national strategic technologies."

He also added, "KRISS possesses the largest quantum workforce in Korea, and we hold world-class technologies in fields such as quantum computing, quantum sensors, and quantum cryptography

communication." He emphasized KRISS’s commitment to contributing to the advancement and commercialization of quantum technologies.

 

The next session featured presentations on the commercialization of technologies in the quantum and materials fields, which KRISS has been actively promoting. Companies that received technology transfers from KRISS shared the achievements of developing commercialization models and applying them in real-world settings.

 

One company that received KRISS's technology on the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID)-based cardiac diagnostic system developed a commercialization model, obtained manufacturing certification, and installed diagnostic equipment in hospitals for clinical trials. They shared the results of these efforts.

Another company that received ultrasound technology from KRISS introduced innovations in the fields of manufacturing, decomposition, and extraction through the application of ultrasound focusing technology.

▲ Minister Yoo Sang-im visits the KRISS Quantum Technology Research Lab

Following the forum, Minister Yoo Sang-im met with quantum technology researchers and took a tour of the research labs. He visited the Superconducting Quantum Computing and Neutral Atom Quantum Computing labs, where he attentively listened to the researchers' explanations and asked insightful questions, showing deep interest in quantum technologies. Minister Yoo stated, "Quantum technology is a critical technology that will determine the future success or failure of our nation," and added, "As a national research institute, I hope KRISS will play a central role in quantum science and technology, actively collaborating with industry, academia, and research institutions to lead the development of the quantum industry."

 

Based on its research capabilities built over the past 50 years, KRISS is expected to faithfully carry out its role as a leading institution for securing national core technologies, including quantum science and technology.