KIST leads South Korean quantum startups to global partnerships

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) led a delegation of South Korean quantum deep-tech startups to the Quantum World Congress 2026 to facilitate global market entry and international partnerships.

Through its Global Bridge Program, implemented in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, KIST aims to connect startups with overseas research institutions, investors, and enterprise partners. During the event, KIST and participating startups engaged in strategic discussions with D-Wave to gain access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure for technology testing and development.

Additionally, KIST facilitated exchanges with Microsoft to foster long-term enterprise collaborations. The delegation also met with Japan’s Q-STAR and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to explore strengthening bilateral connections within the Korean and Japanese quantum technology ecosystems.