IonQ has deepened its foothold in Asia’s fast-growing quantum ecosystem by extending its strategic partnership with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information and confirming plans to deliver a next-generation 100-qubit quantum system to South Korea.
The agreement represents a significant step in the creation of the country’s National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence and signals growing confidence in the near-term applicability of quantum technologies.
The deal will see IonQ supply its Tempo 100 quantum system to Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, where it will be integrated directly into KISTI-6, also known as HANKANG, South Korea’s largest high-performance computing cluster. Once deployed, the system will form the country’s first onsite hybrid quantum-classical computing environment, combining traditional supercomputing resources with advanced quantum hardware.
Rather than operating as a standalone research asset, IonQ’s quantum system will be tightly coupled with existing HPC infrastructure and made accessible through a secure private cloud. This approach is designed to enable universities, public researchers, and enterprise users across South Korea to experiment with quantum-enhanced workloads without needing to manage specialized hardware locally. For policymakers and industry leaders, the model reflects a pragmatic effort to accelerate real-world use cases rather than limiting quantum computing to isolated laboratory settings.
South Korea’s Quantum Computing Ambition
KISTI will oversee the development and operation of a national quantum computing service platform intended to support both academic research and commercial experimentation.
IonQ has been selected as the primary quantum technology provider for the initiative, working alongside Megazone Cloud, which will support cloud and infrastructure integration. The collaboration underscores South Korea’s ambition to position quantum computing as a strategic pillar alongside artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors.
From IonQ’s perspective, the agreement reinforces its broader expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. The company has already established collaborations in Japan with AIST and Toyota Tsusho, as well as partnerships in South Korea spanning telecom, automotive, satellite communications, and academia. Collectively, these initiatives reflect a regional push to move quantum computing beyond proof-of-concept and toward economically meaningful applications.
For business leaders watching the quantum sector, the South Korean deployment highlights a shift toward hybrid architectures that blend quantum and classical computing. While fault-tolerant quantum systems remain years away, governments and enterprises are increasingly investing in platforms that can deliver incremental advantages today in areas such as optimization, materials modeling, and complex simulations.
Executive Insights FAQ
What is being deployed in South Korea?
A 100-qubit IonQ Tempo quantum system integrated with the country’s largest HPC cluster.
Why is hybrid quantum-classical integration important?
It allows quantum processors to work alongside classical supercomputers, making near-term applications more practical.
Who will have access to the system?
South Korean researchers, universities, and enterprises via a secure private cloud.
What industries could benefit first?
Healthcare, finance, materials science, and advanced manufacturing are early targets.
What does this move by IonQ signal for the global quantum market?
Growing emphasis on scalable, accessible quantum infrastructure rather than isolated experiments.
