Korea Quantum Computing and IBM Collaborate to Bring IBM watsonx and Quantum Computing to Korea

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM announces collaboration with Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) to offer advanced AI software, quantum computing services, and infrastructure capabilities. The partnership includes access to IBM's full stack solution for AI, watsonx platform, and next-generation quantum computing architecture. KQC plans to deploy IBM Quantum System Two on-site in Busan, South Korea by 2028. The collaboration also involves investments in infrastructure for generative AI, including advanced GPUs, IBM's Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), and Red Hat OpenShift for a cloud-native environment.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The announcement of the collaboration between IBM and Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) signifies a strategic partnership that could have a significant impact on the high-performance computing sector and the broader technology market. The integration of IBM's advanced AI software and quantum computing services into KQC's offerings is poised to enhance computational capabilities in South Korea, potentially leading to increased efficiency and innovation in industries such as finance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals that KQC is already engaging with.

This partnership is likely to attract attention from investors interested in the technology and AI sectors, as it suggests a commitment to long-term growth in quantum computing and AI research. The planned deployment of an IBM Quantum System Two by 2028 is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology that may yield competitive advantages for KQC and its clients.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, the deal between IBM and KQC could lead to an uptick in IBM's revenue streams from software licensing, cloud services and potentially hardware sales. The investment in infrastructure, such as advanced GPUs and IBM's Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), suggests a capital-intensive initiative that IBM expects will pay off by enabling more sophisticated AI applications and services.

For KQC, access to IBM's technology might translate into an enhanced service offering, potentially increasing its market share and revenue. However, the financial implications will depend on the adoption rate of these technologies by KQC's clients and the efficiency gains they experience. Investors should monitor the adoption trends and client feedback to better understand the potential return on investment.

Technology Analyst

The technical aspects of the collaboration, such as the use of watsonx, Red Hat OpenShift and IBM's next-generation quantum computing architecture, highlight a substantial leap towards more integrated and sophisticated AI and quantum computing systems. The use of these technologies is expected to drive innovation by enabling the development of more complex algorithms and applications, which could solve industry-specific problems more effectively.

The mention of generative AI technologies is particularly intriguing, as this area of AI research is rapidly evolving and has the potential to revolutionize how businesses create content and make decisions. The technical synergy between AI and quantum computing could lead to breakthroughs in computational tasks that are currently challenging or impossible to perform.

Agreement includes KQC offering IBM software and new AI infrastructure capabilities as well as IBM's next-generation quantum computing architecture

BUSAN, South Korea, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) has engaged IBM to offer IBM's most advanced AI software and infrastructure, as well as quantum computing services. KQC's ecosystem of users will have access to IBM's full stack solution for AI, including watsonx, an AI and data platform to train, tune and deploy advanced AI models and software for enterprises.

KQC is also expanding its quantum computing collaboration with IBM. Having operated as an IBM Quantum Innovation Center since 2022, KQC will continue to offer access to IBM's global fleet of utility-scale quantum systems over the cloud. Additionally, IBM and KQC plan to deploy an IBM Quantum System Two on-site at KQC in Busan, South Korea by 2028.

"KQC is providing versatile computing infrastructure in Korea through our collaboration with IBM. Our robust hardware computing resources and core software in quantum and AI are poised not only to meet the growing demand for high performance computing, but also to catalyze industry utilization and ecosystem development. We are working to diligently enhance services and infrastructure through this collaboration as well as with our industry-specific partners," said Ji Hoon Kweon, Chairman of KQC.

"We are excited to work with KQC to deploy AI and quantum systems to drive innovation across Korean industries. With this engagement, KQC clients will have the ability to train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced AI models, using IBM watsonx and advanced AI infrastructure. Additionally, by having the opportunity to access IBM quantum systems over the cloud, today — and a next-generation quantum system in the coming years — KQC members will be able to combine the power of AI and quantum to develop new applications to address their industries' toughest problems," said Darío Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research.

This collaboration includes an investment in infrastructure to support the development and deployment of generative AI. Plans for the AI-optimized infrastructure includes advanced GPUs and IBM's Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), managed with Red Hat OpenShift to provide a cloud-native environment. Together, the GPU system and AIU combination is being engineered to offer members state-of-the-art hardware to power AI research and business opportunities.

To provide a full stack solution, this collaboration will also include access for KQC's clients to Red Hat OpeShift AI for management and runtime needs, and IBM's watsonx platform to empower generative AI and the next wave of computing technology. By leveraging watsonx software for its workflows and solutions, KQC members will have access to generative AI technologies for the enterprise.

In addition to IBM, KQC is also collaborating with other Korean organizations on contributions to the country's quantum computing ecosystem.

"KQC has been actively building quantum research collaborations with leading domestic companies in the financial, bio-healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Last year, Dankook University Hospital joined as a co-research member in quantum healthcare. Additionally, as members of our IBM Quantum Innovation Center, Hanlim Pharmaceutical Co., has started joint research for new drug discovery with us. And DNEURO, a Korean financial software start up is developing quantum algorithms in option pricing and portfolio optimization," said Dr. Joon Young Kim, CEO of KQC.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Media Contacts:

Bethany Hill McCarthy, IBM Research
Bethany@ibm.com

Chris Nay, IBM Quantum
cnay@us.ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

What is the collaboration between IBM and Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) about?

The collaboration involves KQC offering IBM's advanced AI software, quantum computing services, and infrastructure capabilities. It includes access to IBM's full stack solution for AI, watsonx platform, and next-generation quantum computing architecture.

What are the plans for deploying IBM Quantum System Two by KQC?

KQC plans to deploy IBM Quantum System Two on-site at their location in Busan, South Korea by 2028.

What investments are being made in infrastructure for generative AI?

The collaboration includes investments in infrastructure for generative AI, such as advanced GPUs, IBM's Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), and Red Hat OpenShift for a cloud-native environment.

Which industries are KQC collaborating with for quantum research?

KQC is actively building quantum research collaborations with leading domestic companies in the financial, bio-healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. Dankook University Hospital and Hanlim Pharmaceutical Co. are among the organizations involved in joint research with KQC.

What is the focus of DNEURO, a Korean financial software start-up, in collaboration with KQC?

DNEURO is developing quantum algorithms in option pricing and portfolio optimization in collaboration with KQC.