SK Telecom announced on the 27th that it has formed a strategic alliance with the American quantum computing corporation IonQ to collaborate on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the quantum industry in the future.
It is expected that utilizing quantum computers, which can process more data faster than traditional computers, in AI will yield optimized AI technologies and services much more quickly while using significantly less power than before.
As a leader in the field of quantum computers, IonQ has gained attention for developing ion trap technology that boasts high stability and precision. SK Telecom has signed a memorandum of understanding with IonQ to lay the groundwork for the era of ultra-advanced AI based on quantum computing.
With this memorandum of understanding, SK Telecom anticipates enhancing its competitive edge in the AI business by integrating its AI technologies, such as A. and Aster, along with its Personal AI Agent (PAA) and AI Data Center (AI DC) GPU Cloud Service (GPUaaS), Edge AI, with IonQ's quantum computing technologies, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
To foster cooperation with IonQ, SK Telecom and SK Square will exchange their equity in the global quantum cryptography corporation Idquantique (IDQ) with equity in IonQ. This equity exchange enables SK Telecom to establish a closer business collaboration with IonQ.
Even after the equity exchange with IonQ, SK Telecom plans to continue its collaboration with IDQ in the field of quantum cryptography and intends to strengthen its leadership in the domestic quantum cryptography market through ongoing technological and product development.
Ryu Young-sang, president of SK Telecom, stated that "quantum technology is not an option but a necessity for the advancement of AI," revealing the reason for the strategic alliance with IonQ, and he noted that "SK Telecom will continue to make proactive investments and collaborations to leap forward as a leading company in the AI field."