'Beyond Technology to Market'... Quantum Startups and Investors Seek Scaling Up Solutions

KIST and the Korean Technology Innovation Society Hold Special Session on Quantum Technology Startup Ecosystem Strategies Exclusive Funds, Long-term Capital, Researcher Startups, Global Expansion, and Large Company Demonstration Projects Discussed

In Busan, quantum startups, investors, researchers, and technology commercialization experts gathered to discuss strategies for establishing a Korean-style quantum industry ecosystem. Participants emphasized that it is necessary to go beyond simply collecting research institutions and equipment, and to build a cluster that connects startups, long-term investment, demonstration, early demand, and global expansion.

Participants of the 2026 Korean Society for Technology Innovation Super-Gap Quantum Technology Special Session are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by KIST

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) announced on the 13th that it held the "2026 Korean Technology Innovation Society Ultra-Gap Quantum Technology Special Session" on July 9th at Pukyong National University, in cooperation with the Korean Technology Innovation Society, under the theme "Quantum Technology Startup Ecosystem Strategies for Securing National Competitiveness in the AI Transition Era." KIST is the lead institution for the quantum technology sector of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "Ultra-Gap Startup Project (DIPS)."

The event was attended by quantum technology startups, universities, government-funded research institutes, venture capital (VC) firms, and stakeholders from technology commercialization and industry. Participating ultra-gap startups, including Episolution, GQT Korea, OptiQ Labs, Homo Mimicus, and SQK, presented their core technologies, business achievements, investment attraction, and market entry strategies through company presentations (IR).

Professor Kim Yonghwan of CHA University emphasized that the quantum industry cannot grow based on a single technology or company alone, and therefore requires an ecosystem approach. He stated, "Simply developing qubits, sensors, or algorithms does not create a market," and added, "It is necessary to move forward together with the surrounding ecosystem." He explained that a quantum cluster connecting research institutions, startups, investors, and demand companies is needed.

Cases of domestic quantum startups expanding into the United States were also introduced. KIST, jointly with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, promoted the "SelectUSA 2026 Global Bridge Program." Participating companies attended the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit, visited the Maryland Quantum Industry Cluster as well as local research institutions and companies, and explored opportunities for technological cooperation and entry into the U.S. market.

Participants assessed that the success of a quantum cluster depends less on the scale of research facilities and more on establishing a structure in which the source technologies of universities and government-funded institutes lead to startups, and companies are able to meet demand sources and investors and enter domestic and international markets. KIST plans to use this event as an opportunity to expand cooperation with regional research institutions such as Pukyong National University, and to connect technology commercialization, investment, demonstration, and overseas expansion for quantum startups.

Kang Seonjun, Director of Technology Commercialization at KIST, stated, "Quantum technology has now reached a stage where it must secure commercialization competitiveness in the global market, beyond technology development," and added, "We will expand international cooperation platforms that connect foreign government agencies, investors, global companies, and research institutions to provide a foundation for the growth of domestic quantum startups."

© The Asia Business Daily. All rights reserved. Unauthorized AI training and use prohibited.