South Korea Plans 2,000 Quantum Firms by 2035

South Korea is making a bold move to lead the world into the quantum computing era with a comprehensive national plan that could reshape global technology competition.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced Thursday that South Korea will build a complete quantum industry ecosystem over the next nine years. By 2035, the country aims to become one of the world's top quantum chip manufacturers, foster 2,000 quantum companies, and train 10,000 quantum professionals.

The plan includes developing South Korea's first homegrown "full-stack quantum computer" by 2028. This powerful machine will work alongside AI to drive innovation in major industries like automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon called quantum technology "a disruptive innovation that will determine national competitiveness in the post-AI era." He emphasized that the government is mobilizing all national resources across industry, academia, and research to make South Korea a global quantum hub.

To make this vision real, the government will establish five quantum clusters across the country by July this year. These clusters will serve as meeting points where traditional industries can integrate quantum technology into their operations.

South Korea isn't going it alone. The country has already partnered with US-based IonQ, which will invest $15 million over three years to establish a joint research center. IonQ plans to connect its quantum computing technology to South Korea's supercomputer this year, creating a powerful hybrid research environment.

The Ripple Effect: The initiative brings together major players from across South Korea's economy. Telecom giants SK Telecom, KT Corporation, and LG Uplus are joining forces with tech leaders Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, plus major banks Kookmin and Shinhan on the new Quantum Technology Council. This collaboration could accelerate practical quantum applications that benefit everyone from medical patients receiving faster drug discoveries to drivers using smarter vehicles.

South Korea's comprehensive approach combining government backing, private sector partnerships, and international collaboration shows how nations can strategically position themselves for future technology leadership.

The quantum future is arriving faster than many expected, and South Korea just claimed its seat at the table.