“The potential for quantum computers in Korea is very large, and we are focusing on proving quantum superiority through algorithm research within the next 2-3 years and then suggesting directions for commercialization.”

IBM and Yonsei University held an IBM-Yonsei University Quantum Q&A session at Yonsei University International Campus in Songdo on the 7th.

At the event, IBM officials explained that current quantum computing systems need at least 100 qubits and thousands of gates to achieve quantum advantage, and that IBM is continuously improving its systems to achieve this.

IBM is focusing on proving quantum supremacy through algorithm research within the next two to three years and then suggesting directions for commercialization.

In fact, IBM recently evaluated China's achievement of building a quantum system with more than 100 qubits, emphasizing that international competition is fierce.

IBM, in particular, said about the Korean market, “The rate of increase in the use of the quantum computing system installed at Yonsei University is similar to that of Japan. “This is a signal that Korea is ready to begin full-scale algorithm research,” he explained.

IBM then said that the Korean market has great potential and that visible results are already being achieved in areas such as the development of chemical solutions.

IBM predicted that proving quantum supremacy within the next two to three years would be the most important goal, and that this would clearly indicate the direction of commercialization of quantum computing.

In the process, it is expected that cases demonstrating quantum superiority in various fields such as materials science and biophysics will emerge from Korea, and it was revealed that active collaboration is taking place with domestic research institutes and startups including Yonsei University for this purpose.

Yonsei University has selected four key areas of focus for the utilization and development of quantum computing.

The first is ‘improving literacy.’ It is important to foster talents who can understand and utilize quantum technology, and to this end, we plan to strengthen the curriculum within universities and introduce quantum information and computation education in undergraduate courses.

The second is ‘activation of industry-academia cooperation.’ We plan to increase companies’ understanding of quantum technology and promote cooperation so that quantum computers can solve problems that cannot be solved with existing classical computers.

The third is 'professional human resources development', which will train human resources at various levels through retraining from doctoral programs to undergraduate programs and even industrial sites.

The fourth is ‘software and algorithm research.’ Yonsei University plans to actively develop software and algorithms that can create real value by utilizing quantum systems.

Meanwhile, Yonsei University is also pursuing collaboration with companies within the Songdo Bio Cluster.

As a representative example, we have started research on ‘Codon Optimization’ based on quantum computing in cooperation with NIGAChem, a biopharmaceutical development company. We expect that this will dramatically improve the efficiency of antibody-based new drug production.

IBM plans to unveil a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, and aims to build a quantum system with 15,000 gates by 2028, a significant increase from that number.

In particular, he stressed that the era of 'quantum-centric supercomputing', which combines quantum computers and high-performance supercomputers, is approaching, and that it is important to begin research on related algorithms now in order to increase the practical usability of quantum technology.

Meanwhile, Yonsei University added that it plans to build a public and open quantum computing ecosystem through cooperation with the National Supercomputer Center (KISTI).