Classiq and QCenter Initiate Quantum Computing Education Program in Korea
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Classiq and the Quantum Information Research Support Center (QCenter) at Sungkyunkwan University are collaborating to expand quantum computing education and research within Korea. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, recently culminated in the nation’s first public training session on the Classiq platform, attracting 50 participants from diverse sectors—a turnout exceeding even hardware-focused training events. Yonuk Chong, Director of QCenter and Professor in the Department of Quantum Information Engineering at SKKU, asserts that “collaboration with Classiq will mark a turning point in accelerating the expansion of a software-centered quantum ecosystem.” This initiative signals a focused effort to cultivate quantum talent and strengthen Korea’s position within the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific quantum technology market, where Classiq intends to expand its operations this year. Classiq & QCenter Launch Korea Quantum Training Collaboration This strong interest underscores a growing demand for software-centric quantum skills within the region, particularly as Korea emerges as a key player in the Asia-Pacific quantum technology market. The MOU outlines a commitment to strengthening Korea’s quantum ecosystem competitiveness through collaborative programs, marking the first time QCenter has partnered with a dedicated quantum software company for educational purposes. QCenter, established in 2020 under a Korean Ministry initiative, has been re-selected for another five-year term to continue its work in advancing quantum research and talent development, building on six years of operation and a one-year extension. The center’s existing partnerships with companies like IBM, IonQ, and D-Wave demonstrate its commitment to providing a comprehensive quantum infrastructure. Classiq, which has secured over $200 million in funding including investment from Mirae Asset Ventures, Samsung Next, and AMD Ventures, intends to leverage this partnership to expand its business operations in Korea, alongside recent hires including Commercial Director Daniel Kim and Quantum Algorithm Engineer Donghun Lee. Akira Tanaka, APAC Managing Director at Classiq, explained, “Korea – together with Japan and China – is one of the fastest-growing quantum technology markets in the Asia-Pacific region.” Classiq’s platform automatically designs optimized quantum circuits, reducing circuit depth by up to 98% and lowering execution costs, a capability that appeals to both research institutions and enterprises like BMW Group and LG CNS.
Classiq Platform Reduces Quantum Circuit Depth by 98% The pursuit of practical quantum computing faces a significant hurdle in the complexity of quantum circuits, demanding substantial resources and time for even relatively simple calculations. Current approaches often require circuits with immense depth – the number of sequential operations – hindering scalability and increasing the potential for errors. Classiq, a quantum software firm, is addressing this challenge with a platform designed to automatically optimize quantum algorithms, achieving a reported reduction in circuit depth by as much as 98% while preserving accuracy. This optimization directly translates to lower execution costs and the potential to tackle more complex problems with existing quantum hardware. This capability stems from Classiq’s approach to quantum software development, which focuses on transforming high-level functional models into hardware-ready circuits. Unlike traditional methods requiring extensive manual optimization, the platform automates this process, allowing developers to build algorithms without specialized hardware expertise. The technology has already attracted attention from major players, with Classiq serving global enterprises including BMW Group, Comcast, and LG CNS. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to jointly develop training programs and research initiatives, culminating in a public training session attended by 50 participants. Collaboration with Classiq will mark a turning point in accelerating the expansion of a software-centered quantum ecosystem. QCenter’s Six-Year Expansion of Korean Quantum Infrastructure Established in 2020 under the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Quantum Information Science R&D Ecosystem Development Project,” QCenter has spent the last six years building a robust foundation for quantum research and education within the nation, and is now poised for continued expansion. This commitment to long-term investment underscores the strategic importance Korea places on becoming a leader in quantum technologies, particularly in fostering a skilled workforce and facilitating collaborative innovation. QCenter’s approach extends beyond theoretical research, actively supporting the design and fabrication of quantum devices through its Quantum FAB infrastructure, contributing directly to the industrialization of quantum computing in the region. QCenter’s aim is to not only advance research but also to “attract and cultivate outstanding talent from Korea and abroad, and significantly expand programs and opportunities for training highly qualified professionals,” ensuring a sustainable pipeline of expertise for the future of quantum computing. Building on our partnerships with global companies, SKKU will continue to cultivate talent capable of driving the practical industrial application of quantum computing and further strengthen its role as a leading hub for education and research support in Korea’s quantum research and industrial ecosystem. Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/classiq-qcenter-launch-quantum-education-collaboration-dh5ef/ Tags: