IonQ, KISTI to deploy 100-qubit quantum system in South Korea
IonQ has finalized an agreement to deliver a 100-qubit quantum computer to South Korea, strengthening the country’s push to build national-scale quantum computing infrastructure. The system will be deployed in partnership with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) and is positioned as a cornerstone of the nation’s emerging quantum ecosystem.
The deal highlights how quantum hardware is moving beyond lab-scale demonstrations toward practical integration with high-performance computing (HPC) systems. It also offers a glimpse into how national research centers are combining quantum and classical resources to support real-world applications.
Hybrid quantum-classical integration takes shape
Under the agreement, IonQ will deliver its next-generation Tempo 100 quantum system to KISTI as part of South Korea’s National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence initiative. The system will be integrated into KISTI-6, known as “HANGANG,” currently the country’s largest HPC cluster.
Once installed, the quantum system will operate as part of a hybrid quantum-classical environment, marking the first onsite integration of this kind in South Korea. Access to the platform will be provided through a secure private cloud and will consequently enable researchers from universities, research institutes, and enterprises across the country to run workloads remotely.
“This is a defining moment for both IonQ and South Korea, as we deploy our most advanced quantum systems to address the nation’s most significant research and innovation challenges,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “Our historic collaboration with KISTI will deliver the infrastructure, algorithms, and expertise to unlock long-term technological and economic value from IonQ leading quantum computers.”
Building a national quantum platform
KISTI will lead development and operation of the quantum computing service and research platform, targeting both academic research and enterprise use cases. Moreover, IonQ will serve as the primary quantum technology provider for the project and will work alongside Megazone Cloud to support the cloud and infrastructure layer.
“This collaboration with IonQ represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to advancing quantum computing in South Korea,” said Dr. Sik Lee, President of KISTI. “By integrating IonQ’s exceptional quantum systems into the next-generation national flagship supercomputer in KISTI, HANGANG, we are paving the way for groundbreaking research and innovation, creating practical solutions to real-world challenges in fields such as healthcare, finance, and materials science.”
Asia-Pacific momentum continues
The KISTI deal adds to IonQ’s growing footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The company already works with Japan’s AIST and Toyota Tsusho, and has partnerships in South Korea with SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, and Intellian Technologies. Academic collaborations include Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University.
Together, these efforts underline how quantum computing is steadily transitioning into national infrastructure planning, with hybrid systems expected to play a central role in the years ahead.
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