Quantum computing firm D-Wave has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yonsei University and Incheon Metropolitan City in South Korea to accelerate the “exploration, adoption, and usage” of quantum computing in the country.

Under the terms of the agreement, D-Wave will provide access to its quantum computing technology, with the partners set to collaborate on research across industries, including biotechnology and materials science.

The MoU also supports Yonsei University’s efforts to acquire a D-Wave Advantage2 system for its Songdo International Campus, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, and establish Incheon as a global quantum hub.

Once procured, the system will likely be housed at Yonsei University’s quantum computing hub at its Songdo International Campus. Opened in November 2024, the quantum computing hub was the first such facility in South Korea and is already home to an IBM Quantum System One, powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor.

Yonsei University has also been developing a quantum research complex on the same site, with the Quantum Computing Center and research complex totaling 8,500 sqm (91,495 sq ft), providing a space for organizations, academics, and researchers to collaborate.

“This strategic relationship marks an important step in furthering D-Wave’s mission to accelerate global quantum computing adoption,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “Yonsei University and Incheon Metropolitan City recognize the remarkable, immediate opportunity for scientific breakthroughs and business transformation possible with D-Wave’s quantum computing technology. We look forward to the possibility of installing a system at Yonsei University to further establish its role as a global quantum hub.”

Dong-Sup Yoon, president of Yonsei University, added: “By working together towards the introduction of a D-Wave annealing quantum computer onsite at Yonsei University, we believe we are opening up significant opportunities to advance industry and research in South Korea.”

Founded in 1999, Vancouver-based D-Wave describes itself as a ‘full-stack’ quantum computing company.

It launched its 5,000 qubit Advantage system in 2020, which it claims is “the most powerful and connected quantum computer in the world,” and in January 2025, announced it had made its first commercial sale of its Advantage system.

The company announced the general availability of its 1,200 qubit Advantage2 (Adv2) prototype – first unveiled in 2022 – in February 2024. The Adv2 prototype features more than 1,200 qubits and 10,000 couplers and reportedly demonstrates a 20x faster time-to-solution on hard optimization problems.