Collaboration on quantum-classical integration, AI model development, and the expansion of the national quantum ecosystem
IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a collaborative business engagement with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI). This MOU, announced at NVIDIA GTC, outlines a shared vision for the organizations to explore the advancement of quantum-high performance computing (HPC) hybrid technologies incorporating NVIDIA accelerated computing and supporting the development of a robust ecosystem within South Korea.
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“The scale and scope of this alliance represents a powerful convergence of quantum, AI, and classical supercomputing expertise,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By working with KISTI, we are seeking to create a pathway for South Korea to be a global leader in hybrid quantum-classical research. This initiative is intended to provide the foundational technology and AI models necessary to accelerate the practical application of quantum computing worldwide.”
“This collaboration with IonQ and NVIDIA is a critical step in building a national quantum-HPC infrastructure that can solve the most complex scientific challenges,” said Jaegyoon Hahm, Director of the Center for Quantum Computing Service at KISTI. “By leveraging NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing platforms alongside IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems, we are ensuring that South Korean researchers and enterprises remain at the forefront of the quantum era.”
The MOU focuses on seeking to establish a phased approach to integrate IonQ’s industry-leading quantum hardware with KISTI’s world-class HPC infrastructure using NVIDIA NVQLink, an open architecture that connects quantum computers to GPU-based supercomputers. By combining these technologies, the parties aim to conduct research and development on quantum-HPC hybrid applications, including the simulation of quantum algorithms and technologies for next-generation hardware.
Key initiatives anticipated under the MOU include:
- Hybrid Infrastructure Integration: Joint research on quantum-HPC hybrid technologies focusing on the integration of IonQ hardware and KISTI HPC infrastructure.
- Advanced Quantum Simulation: Joint research on the simulation of quantum algorithms, applications, and technologies for next-generation hardware.
- AI for Quantum: Development of AI models specifically designed to accelerate quantum technologies.
- Talent and Ecosystem Development: Mutual research visits, workshops, and training to develop local quantum talent and expand the computing ecosystem in Korea.
- Quantum for HPC and AI: Explore the use of quantum computers to boost the impact of current HPC and ML applications in areas such as logistics, chemistry, material science, and LLM fine tuning.
The MOU underscores IonQ’s continued momentum in the Asia-Pacific region and its commitment to providing flexible, hardware-agnostic solutions that interface with the world’s most advanced classical computing platforms. It reinforces IonQ’s regional commitment as evidenced through its collaborations with other partnerships in Korea with SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, Intellian Technologies, and leading academic institutions such as Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University.
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