The government is strengthening support to link quantum technology research results to startups and commercialisation.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said First Vice Minister Hyeok-chae Koo (구혁채) visited quantum technology research sites under the “7th SEED” initiative at Seoul National University on Wednesday and held a meeting with officials from industry, academia and research institutes and the investment sector.

The government selected quantum in August as one of the “7th SEED” future growth drivers. It also announced the “7th SEED project implementation plan” and the “K-Moonshot Strategy Roadmap” at a meeting of ministers for science and technology-related affairs on Sept. 30. Through the 7th SEED project, the government will provide comprehensive support so that research results in quantum can lead to industrial applications, from technology development to startups, commercialisation and corporate growth.

Koo visited Seoul National University’s ion-trap quantum computing laboratory on Wednesday and watched a demonstration of running a quantum computer that links domestically developed chips, control devices and software. He also heard field feedback on difficulties in connecting research results to startups and commercialisation and on what support is needed.

At the meeting that followed, the ministry shared policy directions to accelerate the growth of quantum companies by linking research and development with technology commercialisation policy. Tae-hyun Kim (김태현), a professor at Seoul National University, proposed a role for the public sector in creating an early market for quantum technology. Young-woo Son (손영우), a professor at Korea University, presented support measures to encourage researchers to launch startups and to support company growth after founding.

In a panel discussion attended by industry, academia, research institutes and investment firms, participants discussed support tasks needed for the growth of quantum companies. Investors including venture capital firms stressed the need to expand the inflow of venture capital into the quantum sector and proposed ways to improve investment conditions and systems to do so.

Koo said the 7th SEED project was a key policy to prepare next-generation industries that will lead South Korea in 10 to 20 years. He said the government would strengthen policy support so that the quantum sector can build an industrial ecosystem in which companies grow based on research results and the market can expand quickly.