On September 29, the KAIST Information Technology Research Center (ITRC) announced that they have joined IBM’s Q Network, a community of Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, startups, and national research labs working with IBM to advance quantum computing. KAIST ITRC is the first Korean Academic Member of the Q Network. The ITRC will utilize IBM’s quantum computer systems in order to conduct research leading to new technological improvements and advanced applications. Additionally, the center will educate and foster human resources related to quantum computers, which will critically support the advancements into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Professor June-koo Rhee, the director of the KAIST ITRC, spearheaded the center’s membership. He highlighted the importance of quantum computing by stating that its ability to solve mathematical enigmas quickly and efficiently will help redefine our future. He went on to say that although Korea had a late start in investing into quantum computing technology, KAIST ITRC’s Q Network membership will act as a foundation in developing more advanced technologies. 

The KAIST ITRC was already utilizing IBM Cloud’s Quantum Experience service to teach quantum artificial intelligence, quantum chemical calculations, quantum algorithms, and quantum computers. Now that the center is part of the Q Network, the ITRC will have access to IBM’s finest quantum computers for research into medical, scientific, and AI applications.