IonQ and KISTI Collaborate to Advance Quantum-HPC Hybrid Technologies
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IonQ, a quantum computing company, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance hybrid quantum-high performance computing technologies. The collaboration, revealed at NVIDIA GTC, will integrate IonQ’s quantum hardware with KISTI’s existing supercomputing infrastructure using NVIDIA NVQLink, an open architecture designed to connect quantum and classical systems. Researchers will focus on simulating quantum algorithms and developing AI models to accelerate quantum technologies, with the goal of expanding South Korea’s national quantum ecosystem. “The scale and scope of this alliance represents a powerful convergence of quantum, AI, and classical supercomputing expertise,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By working with KISTI, we are seeking to create a pathway for South Korea to be a global leader in hybrid quantum-classical research.” IonQ & KISTI Advance Quantum-HPC Hybrid Technologies The collaboration, revealed at NVIDIA GTC, aims to accelerate research into hybrid quantum-high performance computing (HPC) technologies, leveraging NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms to enhance quantum capabilities. This effort focuses on building a comprehensive ecosystem within South Korea designed to push the boundaries of computational possibility. The MOU outlines a phased approach to integrating IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum hardware with KISTI’s existing HPC infrastructure, utilizing NVIDIA’s NVQLink open architecture. This connection is intended to facilitate research and development on applications that demand both quantum and classical processing power, including the simulation of complex quantum algorithms and the development of next-generation hardware. Beyond infrastructure, the agreement prioritizes the development of artificial intelligence models specifically designed to accelerate quantum technologies, a crucial step toward practical application. Jaegyoon Hahm, Director of Center for Quantum Computing Service at KISTI, emphasized the national importance of this initiative. He said, “This collaboration with IonQ and NVIDIA is a critical step in building a national quantum-HPC infrastructure that can solve the most complex scientific challenges,” indicating a strategic investment in future scientific capabilities. The partnership extends beyond research, encompassing mutual visits, workshops, and training programs to cultivate local quantum talent and expand Korea’s quantum computing ecosystem. IonQ’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region is further demonstrated by existing collaborations with SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, and several leading academic institutions, solidifying its position as a key player in the global quantum field. NVQLink Integration for Quantum Algorithm Simulation The convergence of quantum and classical computing is rapidly shifting from theoretical possibility to practical implementation, with a current emphasis on bridging the gap between the two paradigms through advanced interconnectivity. While quantum computers promise exponential speedups for specific calculations, their utility is currently limited by qubit count, coherence times, and the need for classical control systems; therefore, hybrid architectures are emerging as the most viable path toward near-term quantum advantage. This open architecture is designed to directly connect quantum processors to GPU-based supercomputers, enabling significantly faster data transfer and processing than traditional methods. Joint research will focus on simulating quantum algorithms, a computationally intensive task ideally suited for hybrid quantum-classical systems, and exploring applications for next-generation hardware. The aim is to create a platform capable of tackling complex scientific challenges in areas like logistics, chemistry, material science, and large language model fine-tuning. IonQ’s recent achievement of 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025 underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance quantum systems capable of interfacing with advanced classical computing platforms. By leveraging NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing platforms alongside IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems, we are ensuring that South Korean researchers and enterprises remain at the forefront of the quantum era. Jaegyoon Hahm, Director of Center for Quantum Computing Service at KISTI 99% Two-Qubit Fidelity & Ecosystem Expansion This isn’t merely a hardware integration; it’s a concerted effort to foster a comprehensive quantum ecosystem within South Korea, extending beyond research to include talent development and practical applications. This improvement matters because higher fidelity rates directly translate to more reliable and complex quantum computations, essential for tackling real-world problems. KISTI’s involvement is crucial, as the institute intends to utilize the combined quantum-HPC capabilities to address complex scientific challenges. The MOU outlines a phased approach, encompassing joint research, mutual visits, and workshops, all geared toward accelerating the practical application of quantum computing globally. This collaboration with IonQ and NVIDIA is a critical step in building a national quantum-HPC infrastructure that can solve the most complex scientific challenges. Jaegyoon Hahm, Director of Center for Quantum Computing Service at KISTI Source: https://www.ionq.com/news/ionq-and-kisti-forge-strategic-alliance-to-advance-quantum-hpc-hybrid-technologies-in-south-korea-with-nvidia-nvqlink Tags: