#South Korea #Seoul #Quantum Technology #KIST #SelectUSA

KIST Amplifies Expansion of Quantum Deep-Tech Startups in the U.S.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is making strides in supporting the United States expansion of Korean quantum deep-tech startups through its involvement in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026. President Oh Sang-rok of KIST recently announced that the institute is participating as part of a Korean delegation, which includes startups nourished by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the Deeptech Project (DIPS).

KIST, recognized as the lead institution in the quantum technology sector under the DIPS initiative, plays a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of participating companies' innovative offerings. The DIPS project, spearheaded by South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups, aims to nurture startups that can compete on a global stage.

The participation at the SelectUSA Summit, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is significant as it is the largest investment promotion event in the US, designed to connect promising startups with venture capitalists, corporate investors, and state-level economic development agencies. The summit provides a vital platform for investment, corporate establishment, site selection, and tax incentives, making it a gateway for deep-tech companies, particularly in quantum technology. KIST emphasizes that such access to the U.S. innovation ecosystem is crucial for the growth of its deep-tech sectors.

The event unfolds over a two-stage program. Starting from April 30 to May 1, participating companies engaged in a spin-off program hosted by the State of Maryland. This included visits to prominent research institutions and tours of the regional quantum technology ecosystem. This leg of the trip also involved collaborative efforts with Maryland's state government and its economic development agencies to focus on attracting investment and fostering corporate collaboration.

In a significant meeting with William Kimmitt, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, on May 5, KIST showcased its ambition for cooperation with U.S. officials. The delegation also explored collaboration opportunities with Fairfax County Government while focusing on potential investment avenues.

The main summit, currently taking place from May 3 to May 6, features exhibitions, pitching sessions, and meetings with representatives from various U.S. states. The participation of KIST-affiliated companies is expected to engage in productive discussions regarding investment and market entry strategies.

The Korean delegation includes five unique startups alongside Kyung Hee University Department of Future Science Technology Commercialization Policy and Entrepreneurship, creating a robust ecosystem that harmonizes research institutes, academia, and startups. This integrated approach supports the entire cycle from technology validation to commercialization and global expansion.

Among the participating firms, OptiQ-Labs stood out as it was selected for an official pitching session on May 4. They showcased their cutting-edge laser-based optical modules designed for ion-trap quantum computing systems. This competitive program only selects approximately 100 companies from over 20,000 global applicants. A victory in the pitching session could mean invaluable follow-up meetings with U.S. state governments, access to global investor networks, and support for establishing local entities.

Other innovative companies in the delegation include QUAD, specializing in single-photon detection technology; SLEEX, focused on enhancing underwater sensing; Elixir (StatUp AI), which develops quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for healthcare; and SQK (QMEDIC), which is dedicated to physics-based imaging solutions.

KIST Project Director Kang Sunjoon noted the participation symbolizes a critical milestone for Korean quantum startups, providing them direct access to global investors and industry ecosystems. Through the DIPS initiative, KIST actively promotes the worldwide commercialization of quantum technologies.

By taking part in SelectUSA, KIST aims to establish a comprehensive global expansion model that merges technology validation, investment attraction, and entry into the U.S. markets. For the quantum sector in South Korea, this summit represents a crucial turning point, propelling startups towards the subsequent phases of validation, fundraising, and international growth.

For further details about KIST and its current projects, please visit KIST Official Website.