IBM increases quantum computing access to Korean firms

Quantum computing (QC) is a key technology with the potential to revolutionize the world by solving complex problems many times faster than traditional supercomputers. Recent activities by Microsoft and Amazon’s quantum teams also point to the development and interest of these computing and cloud leaders in bringing scalable models to market. For IT leaders, IBM has the largest installed base and most available models for accessing the power of quantum for complex computing.

HFS has been tracking this growing field, advising enterprise leaders about quantum strategies and the opportunities and perils of quantum computing. To drive more quantum usage, IBM continues collaborating with various universities in Japan, Korea, and the US to develop a quantum ecosystem that facilitates research and development. Its latest partnership with Yonsei University in South Korea continues developing this access. It’s IBM’s second investment in the country.

Partnering with educational institutions aids in developing quantum computing talent and access for industry partners

IBM’s partnership with Yonsei University follows a broader global initiative to build a sustainable quantum computing ecosystem, including deployments in Japan, the US, and Canada. It represents a strategic move to accelerate research, workforce development, and industry adoption of quantum technology. This partnership leverages IBM’s proven private-public partnership model, enabling research institutions to aid private and public sector development of the skills, capabilities, and outcomes QC can deliver.

In addition to Yonsei, Seoul National University (SNU) is also actively involved in IBM’s quantum initiatives, reinforcing South Korea’s position as a hub for next-generation computing. IBM is also partnering with Korean tech companies such as Korea Quantum Computing (KQC), which will offer IBM’s quantum systems over the cloud. They plan to deploy an IBM Quantum System Two on-site at KQC in Busan, South Korea, by 2028.

These collaborations align with IBM’s Quantum Development Roadmap, which focuses on enhancing quantum hardware capabilities, expanding enterprise use cases, and creating an ecosystem of quantum-ready talent.

Korea is a strategic hub for IBM’s growth, offering a strong talent pool and a cutting-edge, high-tech and manufacturing ecosystem

South Korea’s technology and manufacturing sectors are among the most advanced in the world, and IBM’s quantum computing initiative can be a game-changer. With two major universities—Yonsei and SNU—now involved, IBM is effectively embedding quantum computing expertise into the country’s academic and industrial landscape. This is a boon for the country’s high-tech and manufacturing sectors, which now have two universities developing advanced computing skills. IBM’s quantum technology can directly impact South Korean industry sectors:

• Manufacturing and supply chain: Manufacturing activities are the most significant contributors to South Korea’s GDP. Quantum-powered simulations can optimize manufacturing processes, materials discovery, and logistics modeling.
• Finance and cybersecurity: Finance and insurance are key verticals for South Korea; quantum encryption and quantum-enhanced financial modeling can redefine risk assessment and fraud detection.
• AI and high-tech R&D: Quantum computing can push AI beyond its current computational limits, making it more efficient and capable of tackling complex problems.
• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare: South Korea’s biotech sector can leverage IBM’s quantum computing resources for drug discovery, genomics, and precision medicine.

This mutually synergistic model benefits IBM and South Korea. For IBM, providing the latest quantum technology should significantly ramp up the design of next-gen AI technologies that will be embedded across South Korea’s high-tech, automotive, and consumer goods products. This will lead to developing and designing new manufacturing processes and modeling complex supply chain needs.

South Korea must leverage this partnership to develop the skills that can accelerate the global quantum computing market

IBM and its university partners must ensure that South Korean businesses can engage to explore how quantum computing fits into their long-term strategies. IBM’s partnerships create a clear pathway for enterprises to experiment with quantum use cases. With IBM’s education initiatives supporting 40,000 students across Japan, South Korea, and the US, South Korea is poised to become Asia’s most significant quantum talent hub. IBM must further deepen its engagement with Korean leaders in the semiconductor, automotive, and electronics industries to translate academic research into real-world solutions.

IBM announced the launch of Qiskit 1.0, an open-source software development kit (SDK) for working with quantum computers. This kit will enable South Korean developers to build 100+ qubit circuits and expand to 1,000+ qubit capabilities. The good news is that Korean enterprises may not need to own quantum computers outright—IBM’s Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) model enables enterprises to leverage quantum computing via the cloud.

The Bottom Line: IBM’s university quantum programs are more than just academic collaborations—they are strategic investments in workforce development, research leadership, ecosystem expansion, and commercial quantum computing adoption.

For IBM to get its money’s worth as a key enabler of the global quantum revolution, it must continue facilitating collaboration between universities and the private sector. South Korea will reap the benefits of this engagement through increased job creation via technology and business innovations and improved efficiency. IBM is poised to be a key player in the South Korean quantum revolution, helping global enterprises and governments solve complex challenges within a specific time-bound period, which was not previously possible.