KIST Leads South Korean Quantum Startups into the Global Arena at Quantum World Congress 2026
KIST Accelerates Global Expansion for Korean Quantum Deep-Tech Startups
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is making significant strides in enhancing the global presence of South Korean quantum deep-tech startups. This was prominently featured at the Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026, where KIST led a delegation aimed at forging crucial international partnerships and facilitating entries into the U.S. market.
Leading the Initiative
Under the Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups, managed by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and executed through the Korea Institute of Startup Entrepreneurship Development, KIST took a central role in this initiative. Through the Global Bridge Program, KIST aimed to link startups with research institutions, enterprises, and investors beyond the Korean borders, representing a significant shift towards global commercialization.
To implement this program in the U.S., KIST collaborated closely with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, aiming to aid Korean startups in building connections within the U.S. research landscape as well as industry partnerships and investor relations.
Strategic Discussions and Partnerships
At QWC 2026, KIST representatives engaged in strategic discussions with D-Wave, a leader in quantum computing systems, creating pathways for the Korean startups to access cutting-edge quantum infrastructure necessary for technology development and application trials. Additionally, KIST explored potential bilateral collaboration with Japan’s Q-STAR and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to further enhance the ties between Korean and Japanese quantum technology environments.
Moreover, KIST facilitated exchanges between Microsoft and participating startups within the incubator project to establish long-term collaborations. This collaboration resulted in immediate outcomes, with OptiQ-Labs, one of the participating startups, announcing plans to set up an office on the U.S. East Coast in November. This marks OptiQ-Labs as the first startup from the Deeptech Incubator Project to establish a physical presence in the eastern U.S., showcasing a concrete step towards international expansion.
Emphasizing Future Collaborations
Dr. Kang Sunjoon, who heads KIST's Technology Commercialization Office and the Deeptech Incubator Project, emphasized the need for sustained partnerships.
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