KIST Accelerates Global Expansion for Korean Quantum Deep

KIST Accelerates Global Expansion for Korean Quantum Deep-Tech Startups at Quantum World Congress 2026

Delegation secures strategic ties with D-Wave, Microsoft, and AIST while paving the way for U.S. market entry and regional operations.

SEOUL, South Korea and COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has successfully led a delegation of South Korean quantum deep-tech startups at Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026, establishing key international partnerships and expanding their footprint into the U.S. market.

Serving as the lead organization for the quantum technology sector under South Korea's Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups—overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and administered by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development—KIST spearheaded the initiative through its Global Bridge Program. The program connects Korean startups with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors to drive global commercialization beyond initial technology development.

For this U.S. program, KIST jointly planned and implemented the Global Bridge Program with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, supporting Korean quantum technology startups in connecting with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors.

During the event, KIST and participating startups initiated strategic discussions to utilize D-Wave's quantum computing systems, providing Korean startups direct access to advanced quantum infrastructure for technology development and practical application testing. KIST also met with Japan's Q-STAR and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to explore opportunities that strengthen bilateral connections between the Korean and Japanese quantum technology ecosystems.

To further expand international corporate connections, KIST facilitated exchanges between Microsoft and startups in the Deeptech Incubator Project to build long-term enterprise collaboration opportunities. These efforts delivered immediate market access outcomes, with participating startup OptiQ-Labs finalizing plans to establish a U.S. East Coast office in November. OptiQ-Labs becomes the first quantum startup supported through the Deeptech Incubator Project to establish a physical regional presence in the eastern United States.

Dr. Kang Sunjoon, Director of KIST's Technology Commercialization Office and head of the Deeptech Incubator Project, emphasized the importance of turning international connections into sustained partnerships and commercialization opportunities for Korean quantum startups.