Quantum Software Lab joined forces with leading UK firms in quantum technology as part of a UK Government Department for Business and Trade led mission to South Korea for Quantum Korea in June 2024.
In June 2024, Quantum Software Lab (QSL) visited South Korea to explore opportunities for local research and development collaboration. QSL joined an ambitious trade mission, organised by UK Government Department for Business and Trade, with leading UK firms including Oxford Instruments, Wave Photonics, Element Six, Cavero Quantum, and National Physical Laboratory.
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The trade mission included a visit to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) to learn more about local quantum x high-performance computing initiatives and a workshop on opportunities for trilateral collaboration amongst Danish, Korean, and UK partners hosted by the British Embassy in Seoul.
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QSL were delighted to be part of the UK Pavilion at the inaugural Quantum Korea expo which took place on 25 – 27 June 2024. ‘Quantum Connect’ was this year’s annual theme for the popular expo series, focused on connecting a global community of quantum scientists and technologists, related companies, and government representatives. The event was highly successful for QSL, resulting in the signing of two MOUs with Norma and Orientum respectively.
Norma, a specialist in quantum security and quantum computing, signed an MOU with QSL to conduct joint research on quantum computing and information technology. Norma develop high-performance SSL VPN 'Q Care Connect', which applies PQC technology. Furthermore, Norma is expanding its quantum security technology to the quantum computing field, actively promoting the development of quantum applications. Recently, Norma launched the 'Q Platform', which provides an environment for developing quantum applications and is carrying out quantum computing collaboration projects with various domestic and international institutions and companies.
Hyunchul Jung, CEO of Norma, stated “we plan to actively collaborate on academic papers and exchanges of students and staff to solidify the theoretical foundation of quantum computing."
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Orientum, quantum applications specialized startup, signed an MoU with QSL to jointly develop a quantum software platform for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The traffic distribution processing algorithm being developed by Orientom on their Atom-Qâ„¢ quantum software platform provides access to advanced quantum servers available for search, learning, testing, and development, easy-to-use software for quantum circuit creation and manipulation, and middleware for executing hybrid quantum-classical workflows in heterogeneous computing environments.
CEO Seunghyun Bang from Orientom stated: “In modern society, automobiles are the primary mode of transportation, with an average of one car per household. The invention and widespread use of automobiles have led to industrial development and economic growth. However, traffic congestion now results in social losses amounting to GBP 33.6 billion in our country, doubling each year. How can we reduce traffic congestion? It is now time for a more systematic approach. Orientom is collaborating with the University of Edinburgh in the UK to find solutions to improve traffic congestion management.
Craig Skeldon, Head of Business and Operations at the Quantum Software Lab stated: 'We are delighted to have been part of this successful trade mission to promote the UK’s strengths in quantum software and algorithms in Korea, an emerging market leader in quantum technologies. We look forward to growing our R&D collaboration with local partners including Norma and Orientum, as well as learning more about the fantastic research by counterpart universities. Korea has a truly exciting ecosystem that we look forward to working with. I’d like to thank the British Embassy in Seoul and Colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade for their ongoing support for QSL'. Intralink Group’s South Korean office played a vital role in supporting the UK trade mission by identifying and engaging prospective collaborators in the local quantum technology ecosystem and matchmaking Korean x UK partners with shared interests. Intralink are key delivery partners of the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme.
Jonathan Cleave, Intralink’s APAC Managing Director said, “We’ve enjoyed working with the British Embassy in Seoul and the Department for Business and Trade to identify commercial opportunities in Korea for the UK quantum sector. Our role has been to increase and strengthen the linkages between two of the strongest quantum industries in the world and so it was great to see organisations like the Quantum Software Lab (QSL) receive such a warm reception from potential Korean partners.