On July 2 in 2024, the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center opened at the CBNU Industrial Technology Research Park. The center aims to develop quantum technology researchers through the University ICT Research Center in CBNU while also facilitating practical courses that connect universities within the province and providing training for corporate employees. Moreover, the center will adopt Korea¡¯s first quantum computer to the Quantum technology theory, practical inclusive education and school field study, The business quantum conversion program plans to establish an environment where quantum technology can be understood and learned early. There are high expectations that the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center will lead development in quantum technology. To learn more, the CBT reporter had a conversation with Professor Kim Ki-woong, Dept. of physics, head of the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center.
¡ã Kim Ki-woong.
Q. Please introduce the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center.
The Chungbuk Quantum Research Center conducts Quantum specialization Research in CBNU. Nationally, quantum information science started to provide full support by establishing a development plan as a game changer that opens new industries in the future. The Governor of Chungbuk Province who has previously served as the Minister of Science and Technology and a Member of the National Assembly of Chungbuk Province has an interest in quantum technology. The Chungbuk Quantum Research Center established a strategy to become a national center of the quantum industry, aiming to disseminate quantum technology and cutting edge quantum development widely.
Q. What is the meaning of the opening of the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center?
Quantum information science, referred to as the Second Quantum Revolution has the characteristics of dominating the market where countries with technology now dominate the market with quantum hegemony for the first time. Advanced countries are investing in quantum technology to secure a paradigm changing cutting edge technology. Korea also planned support to establish a national quantum technology roadmap, for the development of quantum technology in 2023. The roadmap establishes a plan in quantum computing with superhigh speed computation, quantum communication without wiretapping and three areas of quantum sensing beyond existing measurement limits. However, current quantum technology remains in the basic research stage. We should strive to be a research quantum driving force to apply quantum computing, communication, and sensors in the industry. Recently, the U.S. established five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers in the Department of Energy for the next step, which is industrialization. All of them are research centers including the field of light source to quantum materials and elements research. In Chungbuk Province, a light source is expected to be completed in 2027. In other words, Chungbuk Province has been dominating the most important position to quantum materials and elements research in the next step of the national roadmap. On that basis, the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center aims to become the core of development of national quantum science and technology.
Q. Do you have any wishes for the Chungbuk Quantum Research Center?
The Chungbuk Quantum Research Center plans to develop a quantum beamline and adopt educational quantum computers to expand to the public and business sector. I think we will gain superiority with the introduction of Koreaʼs first quantum computer in effective quantum calculation and the quantum computer manufacturing industry. Students at CBNU will have the opportunity to experience quantum computers earlier than others and will develop to become quantum experts. By being selected to the quantum area of ICT research center project of the Ministry of Science and ICT, quantum experts will be produced through support. Chungbuk Province is ready to become the core of quantum technology. I expect Chungbuk Province will be advanced with the support of Chungbuk, experts will revitalize quantum start-ups that will create new industry, and become a scale up through quantum conversion of existing business.
Q. Finally, do you have anything to say to the readers?
Quantum information science is neither a new nor a particularly complex field. It is not inherently difficult. Rather, it represents a shift in perspective. To illustrate, consider the transition from the Ptolemaic theory to the heliocentric theory. The Ptolemaic theory, developed by scientists to predict the movements of planets, was eventually replaced by the heliocentric theory. This new perspective not only improved the accuracy of planetary predictions but also enabled the prediction of stellar movements. This broadened the scope of applications and increased the availability of methods. I hope our students develop a strong interest in quantum information science and find more opportunities in this field.
By Yun Seo-won
yunsw0305@chungbuk.ac.kr