Quantum Technology Moves from Lab to Market... Government to Focus on Supporting Startups and Commercialization

Demonstration of Ion Trap Quantum Computer Developed in Korea
Fostering Deep Tech Quantum Ecosystem by Expanding Initial Markets and Venture Capital

The government is stepping up its support to connect quantum technology research achievements with startups and commercialization. The plan is to go beyond technology development, foster an initial market, attract private investment, and build an ecosystem where quantum-related startups and companies can grow.

On October 1, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that Koo Hyuk-chae, First Vice Minister, visited the Ion Trap Quantum Computing Laboratory at Seoul National University and discussed pathways for launching startups and commercializing research outcomes.

Science and Technology Information and Communication Deputy Minister Koo Hyuk-chae is attending a meeting and sharing opinions with participants. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In August, the government designated quantum as one of the "seven major SEED fields" for nurturing core national growth engines. On September 30, during a meeting of ministers related to science and technology, it unveiled both the "seven major SEED project implementation plan" and the "K-Moonshot Strategic Roadmap." The core of these initiatives is to provide integrated support linking research and development (R&D), startup creation, commercialization, and corporate growth.

At the Seoul National University laboratory that day, there was a demonstration of an ion trap quantum computer operating with domestically developed chips, control devices, and software. The ion trap method utilizes electric fields to capture ions and use them as qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information. Researchers conveyed to the government the difficulties they encounter in connecting research outcomes to actual startups and commercialization, as well as the support they need.

Creating an Initial Market and Attracting Private Investment

The government believes that, as the quantum industry is still in its early stages, it is important not only to support technology development but also to create an initial market where products and services are actually purchased.

During the meeting, Professor Kim Taehyun of Seoul National University outlined the public sector’s role in nurturing the initial market for quantum technologies. Professor Son Youngwoo of Korea University presented strategies to encourage researchers to launch startups and to support the growth of these companies after their founding. From the investment sector, including venture capital (VC), participants raised the need to improve investment conditions and systems to attract risk capital to the quantum field.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to link future policies for research and development and technology commercialization, aiming to establish a deep-tech quantum ecosystem that supports researcher-led startups, the creation of an initial market, and company growth.

Vice Minister Koo commented, "The seven major SEED projects are key policies for preparing next-generation industries that will drive Korea forward in the next 10 to 20 years. In particular, for the quantum sector, we will strengthen policy support to foster an industrial ecosystem in which companies can grow based on research outcomes and the market can expand rapidly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.