South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT is expanding its open quantum testbed to accelerate the application and commercialization of quantum technology. The initiative aims to enhance the verification of quantum technology and products through three advanced testbed locations focused on commercial, international, and future applications.
On October 21, the ministry held a launch event for the 'Open Quantum Testbed Advancement and Expansion Project' at the Pangyo Business Support Hub.
Earlier, in August, the government designated quantum technology as a key area in its 'Seven SEED Projects' aimed at future growth, announcing plans to utilize quantum technology in various industries and establish a quantum security framework.
The open quantum testbed provides a verification space for companies and research institutions that may lack the necessary technology and products. The ministry plans to expand existing testbed capabilities into three categories based on technology maturity and application: commercial, international, and future testbeds. KT will lead the commercial and future testbeds, while SK Broadband will oversee the international testbed.
The commercial testbed will expand its existing network to Daegu this year, with plans to extend to Gwangju and Busan in 2027 and to Gangwon in 2028. This expansion will focus on applying quantum cryptography for data transmission in research, medical, and financial sectors, as well as verifying interoperability between domestic equipment from different manufacturers.
The international testbed will also be expanded, with a focus on promoting quantum security verification across countries in collaboration with quantum testbeds in Singapore, Poland, and Bulgaria. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) will be validated in both domestic and international segments. QKD refers to hardware security technology that uses the physical properties of quantum mechanics to prevent eavesdropping.
For long-distance international segments, the next-generation encryption system known as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) will be applied to verify the overseas applicability of domestic technologies and equipment.
The future testbed aims to establish a verification environment for next-generation quantum communication technologies, including long-distance wireless quantum cryptography and quantum entanglement distribution among multiple points. This initiative will support the development and verification of key technologies necessary for implementing future quantum networks.
Yoon Kyung-sook, Director of Basic Research Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "To accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology, it is crucial to broaden the verification base so that companies can test their technologies and products in various environments. The government will increase verification opportunities for businesses through the expansion of domestic testbeds and international collaborations, while enhancing testing, verification, and technical support tailored to market demands."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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