Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok said on the 12th, “We will train 2,500 new core researchers related to quantum technology and expand quantum transition personnel through collaboration with various fields.”
On the same day, Prime Minister Choi noted at the launch ceremony of the Quantum Strategy Committee held at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) in Daejeon, “Quantum science and technology is being highlighted as a game-changer technology from the perspective of future economic society and security.”
He stated, “Quantum science and technology is an area directly linked to national security,” adding that “its importance is being emphasized through the neutralization of encryption systems via quantum computing technology, the prevention of information theft through quantum communication technology, and the detection of stealth submarines via quantum sensor technology.”
He further noted, “Major countries are intensifying their technological hegemony competition by focusing on national-level investment in quantum technology and strengthening export controls of quantum technology components,” and he added, “Our government is also consolidating quantum science and technology capabilities across departments with the launch of the Quantum Strategy Committee.”
Prime Minister Choi said, “As the first step, we have established a strategy for promoting the Quantum Initiative.” He continued, “We will first rapidly secure core competencies in the quantum field through the training of research and development personnel,” and added, “We will promote a flagship project of large-scale research and development (R&D) to focus on supporting next-generation promising technology research.”
Additionally, he stated, “We will greatly expand the foundation for the industrialization of quantum technology by enhancing infrastructure and nurturing startups,” and added, “We will introduce and operate global leading quantum computing in the country and promote challenges for quantum software and algorithms to create usage cases in various industries.”
He added, “We will foster quantum materials, components, and equipment to promote entry into the global quantum supply chain,” and noted, “We will create a public fund dedicated to quantum technology to nurture startups and strengthen manufacturing infrastructure such as quantum foundries and testbeds.”
Prime Minister Choi also said, “We will strengthen global cooperation and national security,” adding that “we will promote the domestic hosting of a multilateral cooperation meeting for quantum development groups and lead global cooperation through personnel, infrastructure, and industrial exchanges.” He added, “We will integrate new technologies such as quantum cryptography and detection sensors into defense to respond proactively to security threats.”
He urged the Quantum Strategy Committee to become a focal point so that South Korea can make a quantum leap beyond digital into the era of quantum.