A great leap forward in quantum science and technology, moving beyond digital to the ‘age of quantum’

[보안뉴스 박미영 기자] The Ministry of Science and ICT (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Science and ICT) announced on the 25th that it had confirmed the ‘Quantum Initiative’ after deliberation and resolution at the ‘Plenary Meeting of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council’.

Quantum science and technology is a game changer that will play a central role in solving various difficult problems and innovative changes in promising industries such as the economy, society, security, and environment, and is attracting attention as a key strategic technology field that will determine future technological hegemony due to its ripple effects in defense and security. . Quantum science and technology are showing rapid growth, but are still in their infancy and have not yet been commercialized in earnest. Accordingly, if we take the lead in the technological path of quantum science and technology based on the cutting-edge industrial and IT capabilities we have accumulated so far, there are ample opportunities and possibilities to create new innovations.

The ‘Quantum Initiative’ announced on this day contains the Yoon Seok-yeol government’s key directions and strategies to prepare for the coming quantum era beyond digital. Above all, based on our strengths, we will develop 9 core technologies along three axes: △Technology to quickly pursue (quantum core technology) △Technology to lead the world (quantum engineering) △Technology and fields to pioneer new markets (utilization and services) presented.

First, based on our accumulated scientific technology and ICT capabilities, we will strengthen our quantum core technology capabilities to quickly catch up with leading countries. ① Quantum processor (QPU), which is the basis of quantum computers, ② Quantum algorithm/software (SW) to solve industrial and academic challenges, Quantum Internet for connection between quantum devices, and next-generation quantum cryptography communication that makes wiretapping and eavesdropping impossible, etc. ③ ④ We will actively secure core quantum sensing technologies, including quantum networks, sensing for non-GPS navigation, and ultra-high-resolution imaging.

Second, quantum engineering technology that will lead the world in the future based on our semiconductor and manufacturing capabilities is used to measure and control quantum states. ⑤Quantum materials, parts, equipment, and ⑥Quantum for designing and manufacturing core devices such as quantum processors. ⑦Digital-quantum hybrid technology was presented to integrate and utilize device and process technology, digital computers, and quantum computers in a complementary manner.

Third, as areas that need to be pioneered in preparation for the future quantum industrialization era, ⑧ Quantum killer applications that create innovative use cases and services of quantum technology in various fields, and ⑨ Quantum artificial intelligence (AI) that improves machine learning efficiency, etc. were presented.

To secure these key technologies, the government proposed four major promotion strategies in the areas of investment and research and development (R&D), human resources and research bases, global cooperation, and industrialization.

First, the government will aggressively expand investment in the field of quantum science and technology and strengthen its research and development strategy through flexible and stable financial support. In order to strengthen initial investment, the plan is to increase next year’s government budget in this field by more than double that of this year, while improving flexibility and stability of investment by reorganizing many small-scale R&D projects into a program structure. In addition, the direction is to promote mission-oriented research and development in areas that require rapid technological catch-up, and at the same time, provide more thorough support for various technology methods with innovation potential, considering the characteristics of the quantum field where the leading technology method is not determined.

Second, focus on nurturing new core personnel through quantum graduate schools and overseas dispatch, while nurturing quantum convergence talents and engineers through participation and influx of personnel from adjacent academic fields. In addition, an open research base where industry and academia participate centered on research institutions with quantum science and technology capabilities will be established to function as a reservoir for new human resources, integrate research infrastructure, improve industry accessibility, and provide opportunities for cooperation.

Third, amidst the accelerating trend of technology blocs, we will solidify the foundation for global cooperation between countries and multilaterals, and support cooperation between domestic universities and leading global universities. To create a joint research foundation, we will strengthen inter-governmental cooperation and actively participate in multilateral solidarity and cooperation systems to strive for policy coordination, including supply chain and standardization. In particular, we will strengthen support for improving research capabilities and training human resources by supporting the Quantum University Alliance (QUA), which proactively promotes innovative joint research and exchange of master’s and doctoral degrees and research personnel between leading domestic and overseas universities.

Fourth, accelerate the creation of a domestic quantum science and technology ecosystem by expanding essential research infrastructure such as quantum fabs and test beds, as well as industrialization and institutional support. In response to various demands, we will build and operate an open quantum fab directly used by researchers, and furthermore, we will begin operating a public fab that specializes in manufacturing and providing quantum devices to lay the foundation for an ecosystem targeting the future quantum foundry market in the mid to long term. . In addition, we will establish a test environment for testing and verification of domestically manufactured quantum components and equipment, and strengthen institutional support for standardization, expansion of the security suitability verification system for quantum cryptography communication devices, and promotion of corporate R&D participation and conversion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT is a governance body to systematically and strategically support the ‘Quantum Initiative’ of this kind. △ Quantum Strategy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister and participated by ministries and private sector experts in demand for quantum technology △ Research – Industry – Government The plan is to actively promote this initiative by operating regular communication channels such as △quantum dialogue with major leading countries.

In the quantum field, where technological change is rapid and uncertainty is high, it is most important to establish a stable support base in the early stages. In parallel with the strengthened legal foundation, the government will strongly promote the ‘Quantum Initiative’ to raise the level of quantum science and technology from the current level of 65% to over 80% by 2030, and secure more than 1,000 key quantum personnel, while also securing more than 1,000 key quantum personnel. ·He stated that he expects to create killer applications in the fields of advanced manufacturing, defense, security, bio, and services through collaboration between academia and research institutes and to stand tall as a quantum economic powerhouse.
[박미영 기자([email protected])]