Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Becomes the First University in Korea to Launch a “Quantum AI Research Institute,” Taking the Lead in Next-Generation Quantum AI Technology

- Opening ceremony held on the 14th, along with a commemorative lecture by Lee Yong-Ho of KRISS

New hub leading research on the convergence of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in Korea has officially opened. On April 14, Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) held the opening ceremony and a commemorative lecture for its Quantum AI Research Institute (Director Sang-Wook Woo) at Natural Science Building 1, becoming the first university in Korea to establish such an institute and marking the beginning of its full-scale research initiatives.

The institute was newly established to promote and develop academic research on quantum mechanics-based software and hardware, as well as multidisciplinary applied technologies related to quantum systems.

Starting with the opening ceremony, the institute plans to pursue several key initiatives: △leading the convergence of quantum science and AI technologies to cultivate next-generation regional talent △promoting balanced regional development as an innovation hub linked to the national AI strategy △creating new industries and accelerating technology commercialization by integrating with the strategic industries of the southeastern region △conducting joint research and exchange cooperation projects with domestic and international universities, research institutes, and industries.

Participants in the event included Yong-Ho Lee, Head of the Superconducting Quantum Computing System Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS); Jae-Gyun Ham, Head of the Quantum Computing Service Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI); Seung-Wook Baek, Head of the Quantum Technology Division at the National Research Foundation of Korea; and Dong-Hyun Kim, Director of the Future Technology Strategy Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, along with other related officials.

At the opening ceremony, Sang-Wook Woo, Director of the institute (Professor of Physics and CEO of PharmCADD), emphasized the importance of research on the convergence of quantum computing and AI, stating, “When combined with AI, quantum technology has the potential to fundamentally reshape paradigms across academic fields such as high-energy physics, materials science, and life sciences, as well as industries including pharmaceuticals/biotech, logistics, finance, and secondary batteries.” He added, “Through cooperation among industry, academia, and research institutes, we will create tangible outcomes.” Professor Sang-Wook Woo is also the CEO of PharmCADD, a biotech company that develops new drugs by combining quantum computing and AI technologies.

President Sang-Hoon Bae stated, “The Quantum AI Research Institute will serve as a key foundation for securing future technological competitiveness, and we will contribute to the advancement of national strategic technologies by bringing together the university’s research capabilities.”

Following the opening ceremony, Yong-Ho Lee, Head of the Superconducting Quantum Computing System Research Center at KRISS, delivered a presentation on the latest trends and commercialization of quantum computing technology under the theme, “Current Status and Future Prospects of Quantum Computing Development.” <Pukyong Today>