The Busan Metropolitan Government today announced a strategic partnership with Korea Quantum Computing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter ‘KQC’), the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), and Dongseo University to accelerate the development of a regional quantum information technology ecosystem, positioning Busan as a leading quantum innovation hub.

The four organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Busan City Hall, attended by Busan Mayor Hyung-Joon Park, ETRI President Myung-Joon Kim, Dongseo University President Je-Guk Jang, and KQC Chairman Ji-Hoon Kwon, along with senior representatives from each institution.

Under the agreement, Busan will provide policy and administrative support to foster the quantum ecosystem, while ETRI will contribute advanced research and technical expertise. Dongseo University will focus on developing specialized quantum talent, and KQC will lead industry-driven quantum computing workforce development and commercialization efforts.

“Quantum technology is rapidly emerging as a core driver of the global digital economy,” said Mayor Hyung-Joon Park. “Through this partnership with ETRI, Dongseo University, and KQC, Busan is laying the groundwork to become one of Asia’s most competitive quantum technology cities.”

Busan has already made significant progress in building its quantum infrastructure. In June, the city signed a collaboration agreement with IBM to support quantum computing initiatives, which led to the opening of the IBM Quantum KQC Hub Busan at Dongseo University’s Centum Campus in August. In October, Busan further strengthened its quantum strategy by launching the Busan Quantum Information Technology Advisory Committee, bringing together industry, academia, and government to guide long-term development.

With this latest MOU, Busan aims to attract global partners, cultivate high-value talent, and accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies, reinforcing its role as a strategic gateway for quantum innovation.