Norma, a Korean quantum computing company, has partnered with Rigetti Computing, Hallym University, and the Gangwon Technopark (TP) to build a quantum ecosystem focused on national defense in South Korea. Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the consortium will introduce an 84-qubit superconducting quantum computer and create an associated cloud access environment via Rigetti’s Q Platform.
This initiative marks one of Asia’s first quantum deployments dedicated to defense applications. Norma, Rigetti’s official Korean partner, will lead deployment and user access, while Hallym University will oversee quantum workforce development and applied research. Gangwon TP will support infrastructure and regional engagement, with plans to establish Gangwon Province as a strategic hub for quantum technologies.
The system is expected to support quantum algorithm testing, defense-relevant simulations, and early-stage application development. Site selection and infrastructure planning are already underway, with future engagement from the Korean Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration anticipated.
This deployment reinforces South Korea’s ambition to build sovereign capabilities in quantum defense computing and showcases Rigetti’s expansion into international cloud-based quantum deployments.
This deployment is additionally covered in ZDNet Korea here, with further reporting available from University News Network here and Innobloom here.
June 15, 2025
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