- Full support for six companies to utilize IBM’s 127-qubit quantum computer -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is accelerating the development of a quantum computing ecosystem, the core technology of the cutting-edge future industries, by launching a “super-gap strategy” to support local companies.

In collaboration with Yonsei University, the city is recruiting companies to participate in the “2026 Incheon Quantum Computing Utilization Support Project.” This initiative aims to provide local companies with access to quantum computing technologies that were previously out of reach for private enterprises due to high technical barriers and infrastructure costs, thereby strengthening their competitiveness in future industries.

Quantum computing is a next-generation technology capable of processing complex calculations in a fraction of the time required by conventional supercomputers. However, its use has thus far been limited primarily to a few global companies, resulting in low accessibility for industrial applications.

To tackle this issue, Incheon will select six promising local companies and support their use of Yonsei University’s IBM 127-qubit quantum computer. Selected companies will be able to use approximately 350–550 minutes of QPU runtime to develop algorithms and verify technologies for their respective services.

The city views this project as a strategic foundation for expanding Incheon into a “quantum transformation (QX)-based industrial ecosystem,” going beyond mere technical support. The city government expects companies to apply quantum algorithms to drug development, logistics optimization, advanced materials design, and other fields, thereby enhancing Incheon’s competitive edge in industries with high added value.

Eligible applicants are companies located in Incheon that seek to utilize quantum technologies and develop related algorithms, or those planning to relocate to or establish operations in the city within three months of the announcement date with the same goal. Applications will be accepted from April 27 to May 15, 2026, via email (quantumadmin@yonsei.ac.kr), with final selections to be announced on May 27 following document screening.

Kim Jin-hwan, Head of the Incheon AI Innovation Division, stated, “Quantum technology is a key field that will determine future industrial competitiveness. We will continue to strengthen support so that Incheon-based companies can enhance their technological capabilities and secure global competitiveness through the use of quantum computing.”