KIST Connects Korean Quantum Startups With U.S. Partners at QWC 2026

Insider BriefPRESS RELEASE — The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has successfully led a delegation of South Korean quantum deep-tech startups at Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026, establishing key international partnerships and expanding their footprint into the U.S. market.Serving as the lead organization for the quantum technology sector under South Korea‘s Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups—overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and administered by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development—KIST spearheaded the initiative through its Global Bridge Program. The program connects Korean startups with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors to drive global commercialization beyond initial technology development.For this U.S. program, KIST jointly planned and implemented the Global Bridge Program with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, supporting Korean quantum technology startups in connecting with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors.During the event, KIST and participating startups initiated strategic discussions to utilize D-Wave‘s quantum computing systems, providing Korean startups direct access to advanced quantum infrastructure for technology development and practical application testing. KIST also met with Japan’s Q-STAR and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to explore opportunities that strengthen bilateral connections between the Korean and Japanese quantum technology ecosystems.To further expand international corporate connections, KIST facilitated exchanges between Microsoft and startups in the Deeptech Incubator Project to build long-term enterprise collaboration opportunities. These efforts delivered immediate market access outcomes, with participating startup OptiQ-Labs finalizing plans to establish a U.S. East Coast office in November. OptiQ-Labs becomes the first quantum startup supported through the Deeptech Incubator Project to establish a physical regional presence in the eastern United States.Dr. Kang Sunjoon, Director of KIST’s Technology Commercialization Office and head of the Deeptech Incubator Project, emphasized the importance of turning international connections into sustained partnerships and commercialization opportunities for Korean quantum startups.“International engagement needs to go beyond individual events and lead to continued collaboration with overseas research institutions, companies and investors,” Kang said. “Building on the connections established through QWC 2026, KIST will continue to support Korean quantum startups in developing technology partnerships, expanding into global markets and creating concrete commercialization opportunities.”KIST will continue to build on the follow-up partnerships established at QWC 2026, systematically integrating Korean quantum technologies into global research, industrial, and investment networks.Participating startups at QWC 2026SOURCE The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLED-Wave Quantum is a pioneering dual-platform quantum computing company that partners with aerospace organizations to solve complex logistical, defense, and satellite challenges. Founded in 1999, the company’s quantum annealing technology is utilized by industry leaders like Lockheed Martin to optimize aircraft networks, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and support critical national security initiatives.Microsoft engages in the creation and licensing of software for both consumer and enterprise use. The company is renowned for its development of Windows operating systems and the Office suite designed for productivity. Microsoft's structure encompasses three major segments of roughly equal size: productivity and business processes, which encompasses legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, and Dynamics; the intelligence cloud, which includes offerings like Azure, Windows Server OS, and SQL Server; and more personal computing, which covers Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and a range of Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops.The Korea Institute of Science and Technology, situated in Seoul, South Korea, serves as a diverse research institution. Established in 1966, it holds the distinction of being Korea's initial multi-disciplinary scientific research institute. The institute played a crucial role in the nation's economic progress, particularly during the rapid growth experienced in the 1970s and 1980s.More in Research The Quantum Insider (TQI) is the leading source for the latest quantum technology news, market intelligence, industry analysis, and data covering the global quantum ecosystem. NEWSROOMPLATFORMSERVICESCOMPANY© 2026 The Quantum Insider. All rights reserved. Part of the Resonance networkOne of our team will be in touch to learn more about your requirements, and provide pricing and access options.Subscribe to our industry leading leading newsletter for the latest in quantum news and insights. We use cookies to analyse traffic and improve your experience. Privacy Policy