KIST Connects Korean Quantum Startups With IBM

Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) led five South Korean quantum startups to IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York for technical exchanges and discussions on commercialization. Supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and organized by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development under the Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups program, the visit connected founders with IBM researchers. KIST’s Global Bridge Program, developed in collaboration with IBM, explored potential partnerships, proof-of-concept projects and joint research. The delegation also included Kyung Hee University’s Department of Advanced Business and related ventures.

Technical Exchanges With IBM

The visit introduced the delegation to IBM’s quantum computing roadmap and industrial application strategies. KIST said the exchanges helped participants identify possible partnership routes and examine the latest quantum trends.

Representatives from the Korean startups also joined a strategic technology exchange session with George Tulevski, Program Director at IBM Research Think Lab. The discussion focused on the architecture and operational framework of IBM Quantum System Two, alongside industrial commercialization pathways and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

SunJoon Kang, Program Director at KIST, stated:

“This visit to the IBM Watson Research Center is a pivotal milestone that enables Korean startups to align directly with the frontiers of global innovation. Under the DIPS initiative, we are committed to forging strategic alliances that will accelerate the transition of quantum technology from the lab to the global marketplace.”

Five Startups In The Delegation

The group included QUAD, which develops superconducting nanowire single-photon detector technology for quantum communication and defense; SLEEX, which combines Quantum LiDAR with electric field sensing for underwater navigation; and Elixir, developer of StatUpAI for quantum-classical hybrid algorithms in data analysis and AI modeling, including medical clinical trials.

OptiQ-Labs develops compact, ultra-stable optical systems for ion-trap quantum computers. SQK, also known as QMEDIC, develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints for CT and MRI reconstruction.

Seoul Event Planned

The collaboration is scheduled to continue at IBM Quantum Connect APAC: Seoul on May 19 at Conrad Seoul. IBM Quantum leaders and technical experts will discuss industrial applications, IBM’s technology roadmap, quantum algorithm applications and global collaboration models.

KIST said its Global Bridge Program is intended to support South Korean quantum companies as they pursue joint research, proof-of-concept work and international commercialization opportunities.