Seongnam City Secures $10 Billion in State Funds to Develop Quantum Computing Platform

In a significant development, Seongnam City has emerged as a major player in the quantum computing sector, securing 10 billion won in state funds for a quantum computing platform project. This substantial investment is part of the city's broader strategy to build a quantum industry ecosystem in Pangyo Techno Valley, a hub for advanced technology companies in South Korea.

The project, which was selected in the 2026 Second Industrial Innovation Infrastructure Development Project open competition organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, aims to provide cloud-based access to high-performance computer resources and various quantum processing units (QPUs). This will enable small and mid-sized enterprises to leverage quantum computing technology without having to invest in expensive infrastructure, thereby supporting quantum transformation and technological innovation in the industry.

Seongnam City's selection for this project is a testament to its growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology companies. The city is home to a large concentration of advanced industry companies in fields such as system semiconductors, bio, fintech, and mobility, centered on Pangyo Techno Valley. This ecosystem provides an ideal environment for the demonstration and industrialization of quantum computing technology, with companies like Samsung, LG, and SK Hynix already having a significant presence in the region.

The total investment for the project is estimated to be 16.96 billion won, which includes 10 billion won in state funds, 1.5 billion won in city funds, and 5.46 billion won in-kind contributions from participating institutions. The Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) will lead the project, with Pukyong National University and Hallym University participating as joint research institutions. Seongnam City will oversee the project's operation and administrative support, while providing 1.5 billion won in city funds.

Once the project is completed, companies will be able to jointly use quantum computing infrastructure without having to directly build expensive equipment. This will not only reduce costs but also enable companies to focus on developing innovative applications and services using quantum computing technology. Additionally, the establishment of a quantum-classical hybrid infrastructure hub is expected to support companies' quantum transformation, contributing to the creation of a quantum industry ecosystem that links companies, research institutions, and public agencies.

The project's selection is also seen as an important opportunity for Seongnam City to emerge as a key hub for fostering the domestic quantum industry, in line with the government's quantum science and technology strategy and quantum cluster master plan. The city plans to actively support local companies in using quantum technology as a practical industrial tool, without the burden of separate hardware investment.

South Korea has been actively promoting the development of quantum computing technology, with the government investing heavily in research and development. The country aims to become a global leader in the field, with a focus on developing practical applications and services using quantum computing. Seongnam City's quantum computing platform project is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and is expected to have a major impact on the country's technology sector.

In conclusion, Seongnam City's selection for the quantum computing platform project is a major development for the city and the country as a whole. The project has the potential to establish Seongnam City as a hub for quantum computing technology, and is expected to have a significant impact on the development of the domestic quantum industry.