South Korea’s Yonsei University has established the country’s first quantum computing hub at its Songdo International Campus.
Due to open on November 20, 2024, the Quantum Computing Center will house an IBM Quantum System One, powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor.
The university first announced its plans to deploy the IBM Quantum System One in late 2021, with the expectation that it would be online in 2023.
The system is kept at an operating temperature of 0.015 Kelvin to enable the qubits to maintain their quantum state. The quantum processor chip, which holds the qubits and performs the calculations, is positioned towards the bottom of the chandelier.
In addition to its new quantum hub, Yonsei University is also developing a quantum research complex on the same site. When complete, the Quantum Computing Center and research complex will total 8,500 sqm and provide a space for organizations, academics, and researchers to collaborate.
According to Cheong Jae-ho, head of the university’s quantum business division, the IBM Quantum System One will be used to support quantum research for biotech applications, including drug development.
To date, researchers in South Korea have only had access to experimental quantum computers with a maximum performance of 20 qubits. Researchers have also had to contend with high fees and delays associated with connecting to quantum computers, largely in the US, via the cloud.
“This marks a milestone for South Korea as a quantum computing hub,” said Cheong. “We will focus on collaboration with industry to foster talent in quantum technology.”
In April of this year, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York became the first university to have an IBM Quantum System One installed on its campus.
