IBM is collaborating with Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) to provide cutting-edge AI software, infrastructure, and quantum computing services.

IBM's collaboration with KQC, announced on the 30th, will allow customers in the ecosystem built by KQC to leverage IBM's AI full-stack solution, including 'Watsonx', an AI and data platform that trains, tunes, and deploys advanced enterprise AI models and software.

KQC also collaborates with IBM in the field of quantum computing. KQC, which has served as the IBM Quantum Innovation Center (formerly IBM Quantum Hub) since 2022, continues to provide IBM’s global utility-scale quantum system resources to domestic customers via the cloud. It will also install IBM Quantum System 2 in Busan by 2028.

This collaboration includes investments in infrastructure to support the development and deployment of generative AI. The AI infrastructure will include cutting-edge GPUs and IBM’s AI silicon (Artificial Intelligence Unit, AIU), and will be managed by Red Hat OpenShift to provide a cloud-native environment. IBM said the combination of the GPU system and AIU is "designed to provide customers with cutting-edge hardware to enhance AI research and business opportunities."

The collaboration also includes providing KQC’s customers with a full-stack solution that leverages Red Hat OpenShift AI to meet their management and runtime needs, and IBM Watson x platform to power generative AI and next-generation compute technologies. KQC’s customers will be able to leverage generative AI technologies for their enterprises by embedding Watson x software into their workflows and solutions.

Meanwhile, KQC is also collaborating with other domestic organizations to contribute to the domestic quantum computing ecosystem. Dr. Kim Jun-young, CEO of KQC, said, “KQC has been actively collaborating on quantum research with leading domestic companies in finance, bio-healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Last year, Dankook University Hospital joined as a joint research member in quantum healthcare. In addition, as a member of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center, Hanlim Pharmaceutical began joint research with KQC to develop new drugs using IBM’s quantum systems, software, and resources. DNEURO, a domestic fintech startup, is developing quantum algorithms in the fields of unlisted company valuation using option valuation methods and hyper-personalized portfolios.”

Kwon Ji-hoon, Chairman of KQC, said, “KQC is providing various computing infrastructures to Korea through collaboration with IBM. The powerful hardware computing resources and core software in the quantum and AI fields that we will build are expected to not only meet the growing demand for high-performance computing, but also promote industrial utilization and ecosystem development. KQC said, “We are continuously strengthening our services and infrastructure not only through this collaboration but also through collaboration with industry partners.”

Dario Gil, IBM SVP and GM of Research, said, “We are excited to work with KQC to build AI and quantum systems that will accelerate innovation across Korean industries. This agreement will enable KQC clients to train, fine-tune and deploy advanced AI models using cutting-edge AI infrastructure and IBM Watson x. Additionally, KQC’s clients will have the opportunity to leverage IBM quantum systems, now via the cloud and in the coming years via next-generation quantum systems, enabling them to integrate AI and quantum technologies to develop new applications that solve their industries’ toughest problems.”