Chungbuk National University (CBNU) in Cheongju, South Korea, has purchased a quantum computer from IQM.

The five-qubit IQM Spark system will be housed at the ChungBuk Quantum Research Center (CBQRC) in CBNU, with installation expected to take place during the first quarter of 2025.

IQM
– IQM

IQM’s Spark quantum machines have been specifically tailored for universities and research labs, offering high single-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelity which the company says allows for reliable and accurate quantum applications.

The quantum computer will be the first acquired by the university and the second system deployed by IQM in Asia Pacific. It will also be the first commercial quantum computer to be installed through the Korean government’s official procurement process.

CBQRC opened in July 2024 and was established with support from the Chungbuk Provincial Government.

In a joint statement, IQM and CBNU said the announcement reflects their “shared commitment to support South Korean’s government efforts to promote quantum education and training.”

Professor Kiwoong Kim, director of the CBQRC, stated, “We hope that the introduction of this quantum computer will serve as a catalyst for accelerating quantum technology exchange and industrialization between Finland and Korea.”

Founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2018, IQM builds full-stack quantum computers and applications to HPCs, research institutes, universities, and business enterprises.

Last week, the European quantum computer company announced it would be deploying an IQM Spark system at the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute in the second quarter of 2025.