The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has launched the Quantum Strategy Committee, a high-level public-private body tasked with overseeing national quantum science and technology policies. Chaired by Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, the committee aims to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global quantum race by fostering innovation, industrialization, and workforce development. The government also announced plans to create a quantum-specific fund under the Science and Technology Innovation Fund, investing approximately ₩20 billion ($13.8 million) annually, totaling ₩80 billion ($55 million) over four years, to support quantum startups, accelerate commercialization efforts, and train 2,500 researchers in quantum technology.
The Quantum Strategy Committee formation, which was delayed by three months due to political circumstances, will focus on advancing key quantum technologies, including 1,000-qubit quantum computers, quantum repeater-based networks, and GPS-free quantum navigation sensors. The government has allocated ₩198 billion ($136.2 million) for quantum-related projects in 2025, a 51.4% increase from the previous year. However, experts have expressed concerns that this investment pales in comparison to the trillions of won being spent by the U.S. and China, urging additional funding to remain competitive.
A significant portion of the government’s strategy focuses on fostering the domestic quantum ecosystem. The Science and Technology Innovation Fund, a 1 trillion won initiative supported by 500 billion won from government-backed banks (like Shinhan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea, and Woori Bank) and 500 billion won from private investors, will allocate a dedicated account for quantum startups. This quantum-specific account aims to address the challenges faced by early-stage quantum companies, which often struggle to secure initial funding due to high technical barriers and long development timelines. Quantum startups may also receive additional funding from the broader 1 trillion won fund, further boosting the quantum ecosystem and ensuring a robust financial foundation for national strategic technologies.
The government also plans to train 2,500 new quantum researchers and expand the quantum workforce through interdisciplinary collaboration. Flagship projects will be promoted to support large-scale R&D efforts, while infrastructure such as quantum foundries and test beds will be expanded to facilitate industrialization. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes fostering quantum materials, components, and equipment to integrate South Korea into the global quantum supply chain.
Despite these efforts, industry experts have called for greater involvement from large corporations to drive quantum industrialization. They argue that while government support for basic research and startups is crucial, attracting private sector investment from established companies is essential for scaling quantum technologies and achieving global competitiveness.
For more details, visit the original announcements by Science Chosun here, here, and here.
March 14, 2025
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