The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information has named IonQ its primary quantum technology provider for South Korea’s new National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence. The initiative is backed by a multimillion-dollar government award under the Quantum Computing Service and Utilization System Construction Project.
According to IonQ, KISTI will lead the development of a quantum computing research and service platform for academic and industrial applications. Meanwhile, IonQ will deliver a next-generation 100-qubit quantum system and help develop a hybrid quantum-classical computing environment hosted on a private cloud. Megazone Cloud, a local cloud provider, will also support the project.
“This project is a significant investment in Korea’s research and innovation ecosystem,” said IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi. “We are proud to have been identified by KISTI to provide the technology and expertise to help realize its full potential.”
The partnership with KISTI builds on IonQ’s expanding presence in South Korea. In April, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Intellian Technologies to explore how quantum networking can secure satellite communications.
Beyond terrestrial computing, IonQ has also announced intentions to create the world’s first space-based quantum‑secure communications network through its planned acquisition of Capella Space and Lightsynq Technologies.