Discussion on Quantum-AI Hybrid Strategy at Ministry of Science and ICT’s ‘Quantum AI’ Forum
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Cho Seong-mi – An event focused on the fusion of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which are considered disruptive innovations, was held on the 24th, attracting various experts from academia, industry, and research in Korea.
The Ministry of Science and ICT along with the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) hosted a Tech-Future Insight Concert at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan District, Seoul, under the theme ‘Quantum AI: The Convergence of Quantum and AI.’
Kim Yoo-seok, the head of the Korean branch of the French quantum computer manufacturing company Quandela, emphasized that the ability to maximize the convergence of quantum and AI will be a key factor in national competitiveness.
Kim pointed out, “When we talk about quantum, it might seem like we’re discussing the distant future, but we are actually talking about companies like Nvidia, Samsung Electronics, and TSMC now.” He provided examples, such as Nvidia announcing its plans for quantum chip development at CES last year, and research being conducted on communication between graphics processing units (GPUs) and quantum processing units (QPUs) at companies like IBM and Pasqal.
He also mentioned that, at present, quantum computers cannot be sold like laptops. Currently, research is being conducted to either enhance AI’s performance through quantum applications or leverage AI where quantum falls short.
Kim highlighted fields that could significantly benefit from quantum research, such as climate science, healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity, where traditional computers face challenges. European data centers are already utilizing quantum technology for cybersecurity.
Kim predicted that the future AI competitiveness will come from collaborating among GPU, CPU, and QPU in AI data centers. He emphasized that QPUs will not replace CPUs or GPUs; instead, they will work together with them to solve problems in areas yet unseen.
He analyzed the quantum computing market’s traits, where early market entrants can capture up to 90% of the market, and there’s a shortage of personnel capable of developing specialized quantum algorithms.
He added that it’s crucial for South Korea to nurture skilled quantum talents so that they are well-prepared to utilize quantum hardware once it becomes commercialized. Enhancing the added value of existing AI learning data with quantum technology and applying it to industries could drive national competitiveness.
Following this, Jeong Hyung-joo, Senior Executive of Pasqal Korea, diagnosed the development stages of next-generation computing under the topic ‘The Present and Future of the Quantum Computing Industry.’
Pyo Chang-hee, Senior Executive at IBM Korea, spoke about the promising potential and effective implementation strategies of quantum computing, which has already been tested in industries such as finance, bio, and energy.
In subsequent sessions, Professor Park Kyung-deok of Yonsei University, SDT’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Kim Eun-sung, Professor Bae Joon-woo of KAIST, Kim Young-sim, head of IQM Korea, and Jeong Geun-hong, professor at the Korea Military Academy, explored the current state of quantum and AI technology integration.
Additionally, Kim Dong-ho, Chief Quantum Officer (CQO) at Megazone Cloud, introduced case studies and implementation strategies for Quantum AI. Professor Han Nam-sik from Yonsei University and Dr. Kwon Tae-ho of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology each presented cases of utilizing Quantum AI in new drug development and virtual laboratories.
Finally, in a presentation about the real-world impact of quantum machine learning on material development, Cho Geun-soo, head of Quantum Intelligence, introduced a case of precision alloy design using quantum computers.
First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, Koo Hyuk-chae, stated, “Quantum AI is a game-changer in the global tech supremacy race, supplementing the limitations of digital computing and expanding AI’s applicability. We will fully support its potential use in key areas like new drug development, new materials, defense, and security.”
csm@yna.co.kr