Yonsei News

In October, Yonsei University achieved a groundbreaking milestone by introducing and operationalizing the IBM Quantum System One, a quantum computer renowned as the pinnacle of modern computing. This milestone is historic, making the first installation of its kind in Korea and the fifth globally. Renowned for its unparalleled ability to solve complex problems with exceptional speed and efficiency, the IBM Quantum System One is expected to elevate Yonsei’s research infrastructure to the highest global standards. By spearheading advancements in diverse fields, this technology positions the university to drive innovation and industrial growth. Yonsei University is poised to lead the quantum ecosystem with the quantum computer, often referred to as a game changer in future science and industry. Spearheading this initiative is Jae-Ho Cheong, Head of Yonsei Science Park (YSP), who shared his insights on this transformative project.

Bold Investments in Future Vision

Anticipating the need for and potential of quantum computing in advancing research and industry, Yonsei University began preparing for its adoption as early as 2022. Through a partnership with IBM, a global leader in superconducting quantum computer development, Yonsei successfully installed Korea’s first and the world’s most advanced quantum computing system. The collaboration between Yonsei University and IBM is driven by a shared goal: to shape a more promising future through groundbreaking technological advancements.

"I once had the opportunity to speak with Jay Gambetta, the Vice President in charge of IBM's overall Quantum initiative. He expressed his expectation that quantum computers would be actively used to advance academic research and benefit a wider audience. Although this initiative began under the previous president’s leadership, I realized the significance of adopting quantum computing. As universities are fundamentally responsible for cultivating talent capable of addressing future academic and societal challenges, we asked ourselves, 'What is truly required?' We were convinced that taking the lead in adopting quantum computing would enable us to drive innovation in both academia and industry. Even in the early stages of the project, there was a strong belief in the potential of quantum computing as a transformative tool for future science and technology. This was a high-value investment, grounded in a clear vision from the beginning. Moreover, Yonsei University, as Korea’s first private university and a pioneer of countless ‘firsts’ and ‘bests,’ is inherently innovative and flexible in its perspective. It appears only natural that Yonsei and IBM would collaborate on such a groundbreaking endeavor.”

Quantum Computers: Unrivaled in Speed and Efficiency Compared to Supercomputers

To date, supercomputers have been considered the pinnacle of high-performance computing. However, quantum computers surpass them in both capability and potential. As the advent of traditional computers revolutionized human life, quantum computers are anticipated to contribute to transformative changes—perhaps even greater ones.

Traditional computers process and store information in binary units of 0s and 1s. In contrast, quantum computers go beyond 0 and 1, enabling them to perform different operations simultaneously and solve complex calculations much faster. The IBM Quantum System One, introduced at Yonsei University, features 127 qubits (Quantum bit, the fundamental unit of quantum computing), allowing it to represent and process 2¹²⁷ different states simultaneously. This capability enables it to complete computations in mere seconds that would take traditional supercomputers tens of thousands of years.

“For example, a 10-bit computer can represent 2¹⁰ different values, meaning it can process 1,024 pieces of information. Although it may appear rapid, it needs to process each piece of information sequentially—from the first to the 1,024th. Traditional computers can only measure and calculate one state at a time. In contrast, quantum computers can process large amounts of data simultaneously, enabling them to handle multiple calculations at once. Imagine placing a coin in one of 10 boxes. A classical computer would have to open each box one by one to find the coin, whereas a quantum computer could examine all 10 boxes simultaneously. Despite supercomputers seeming to perform computations quickly, they cannot compete with the capabilities of a 127-qubit quantum computer, which can represent 2¹²⁷ states and process them all at once and simultaneously. For context, this has been verified in a study published in Nature: a computation that would take a supercomputer over 10,000 years to complete was solved by a quantum computer in just 200 seconds.

The fundamental difference between traditional computers, including supercomputers, and quantum computers lies in their speed and volume of calculations. This distinction has the potential to transform several aspects of our lives. In fact, many real-world problems are often solved through computation. For example, finding top-rated restaurants nearby relies on AI technologies that calculate and analyze data. Computation plays a crucial role in the convenience of modern life. As such, quantum computers provide us with significantly greater computational power, making their application increasingly essential and rapidly expanding with advancements in technology.

The Potential of Quantum Computing to Revolutionize Various Industries

Throughout history, many tools have played pivotal roles in driving human progress. Quantum computers are expected to be no different, playing an increasingly significant role in solving both current and future challenges facing humanity. However, the question remains: What problems can only be solved by quantum computers? At this stage, no one has a definitive answer. Jae-Ho Cheong, Head of YSP, believes that the answer lies in "how the questions are framed."

"In reality, how we use any tool inherently involves creativity. I am confident that someone at Yonsei University, regardless of age, with a creative and flexible mindset, will surely make it happen. If they ask the right, creative questions, I believe we can identify problems that only quantum computers can solve."

Quantum computers are expected to serve as a powerful tool for finding answers across various fields. However, at Yonsei University the primary focus is on the bio sector. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are deeply connected to issues that affect human survival and quality of life. Additionally, Songdo, where the International Campus is located, is home to a national high-tech bio-specialized industrial complex with a concentration of various bio companies. With Yonsei’s strong research capabilities in biomedical and biosciences, the university is poised to generate significant synergy in this field.

"Most industries tend to see improvements in quality and reductions in price as research and development progress. However, the bio sector faces what is known as the 'research and development paradox.' The more research is conducted, the higher are the costs. For instance, a hemophilia treatment recently approved by the U.S. FDA costs hundreds of millions of dollars. Although it only requires one dose, the price is astronomical. Moreover, the process of developing new drugs involves undergoing phase III clinical trials before approval, which takes approximately 17 years and costs approximately 5 trillion KRW. However, only about three out of every 10,000 candidates succeed. Consequently, the final price reflects the combined costs of research, development, production, and distribution. When considering how quantum computers can address these issues, I believe the key lies in reducing these costs and time."

Currently, supercomputers are used in the bio industry. Drug development involves targeting disease-causing factors, then combining them with numerous substances to examine interactions, adjustments, and synthesis—similar to finding the right fit among thousands of defective Lego pieces. Using supercomputers in this process takes more than several months. In contrast, quantum computers can accelerate this process, potentially reducing the time it takes from 17 years to only 7 years. By leveraging quantum computing, the costs, time, and labor involved in research and development can be significantly reduced, enabling the supply of cutting-edge medicines at more reasonable prices. Considering his background in medicine, Jae-Ho Cheong, Head of YSP, is confident that using quantum computers to overcome these challenges will allow humanity to fully enjoy healthy lives. He believes this is the greatest benefit science and technology can offer, and it is essential for sustaining and improving the quality of life.

Quantum computers can play a significant role in the innovation of industries beyond the bio sector, particularly in fields where optimization is crucial.

"Quantum computers are the most effective tool for solving optimization issues. They can be applied to any industry that requires optimization. A prime example is the logistics industry. How can delivery routes be optimized to reduce both fuel consumption and delivery time? Even with only 10 destinations, hundreds of possible routes emerge. Quantum computers can promptly address optimization challenges not only in parcel delivery but also in ports, aviation, and all sectors of logistics."

In addition to logistics, quantum computing is expected to be used in a wide range of industries, including finance, energy, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, with the introduction of quantum computers in Korea, companies that previously had to endure long wait times and high costs to use overseas quantum computing resources will now have better opportunities, enhancing their competitiveness.

Enhancing Domestic Industry Competitiveness and Contributing to Global Research Innovation

Yonsei University’s quantum computer was installed in October and has since begun a trial operation, open to students, on-leave students, and faculty members. Owing to the strong interest and enthusiastic response from the university community, the Quantum Information Technology Research Institute has decided to extend the free trial period for quantum computing services until November 28. Access to the quantum computer is available through the creation of an IBM Quantum ID via the school’s accounts, which can then be used to connect to the Qiskit cloud system, accessible from anywhere.

Initially, the quantum computer will be available to internal scholars, graduate students, and other members of the Yonsei community. To ensure the operational and maintenance costs of the quantum computer are covered, usage fees will be applied for research activities from external institutions and companies. However, research collaborations between external institutions and Yonsei scholars will be eligible for partially discounted rates. Additionally, companies addressing societal issues will be supported with discounted access to the quantum computer.

Yonsei University plans to actively pursue both domestic and international collaborative research using quantum computers. Notably, in October, the university was selected for the 2024 “Second Industry Innovation Infrastructure Building Project,” organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology. With this selection, the university will begin to actively support innovation activities by companies using quantum computing, as part of a project running until 2028. Additionally, Yonsei is preparing to leverage agreements with overseas universities for joint research and to address global academic challenges.

"Beginning next year, we will actively engage in national projects, and we have recently signed an MOU with the University of Cambridge. The MOU includes permission for Cambridge scholars to access Yonsei's quantum computer. Cambridge, home to prominent quantum figures such as Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, has a rich legacy in quantum mechanics. However, they currently do not have a quantum computer. The Miller Institute for New Drug Discovery at Cambridge, which is collaborating with Yonsei, shares our concerns regarding time and cost in drug development. Upon hearing about our quantum computer, they appear eager to use it as a breakthrough for leading global quantum research."

The ownership of a quantum computer by Yonsei University is not only advancing domestic research and industrial development but also drawing attention in the global scientific and industrial communities. It is paving the way for a new paradigm that will transform the future, with significant implications for both basic and applied sciences worldwide.

As a Sustainable Tool for Innovation Toward a Sustainable Future for Humanity

Moreover, Jae-Ho Cheong, Head of YSP, reflected on the fundamental purpose underlying Yonsei University’s acquisition of a quantum computer, which ties directly into how it will be used sustainably.

"When people ask why Yonsei University is developing the YSP and introducing quantum computing, it prompts an important question. Ultimately, the global challenges we need to address require interdisciplinary collaboration, and to achieve this, we must leverage all available resources. Quantum mechanics represents the pinnacle of human intellectual achievement. It is not simply about generating knowledge in quantum mechanics; the technology, such as quantum computers, allows us to begin solving the pressing problems humanity faces. We will begin with the bio sector and gradually make this possible."

As many scientists have stated, there are no definitive answers in quantum mechanics. The principles of superposition and entanglement, which govern the complex interactions of phenomena, cannot be explained by a single, deterministic answer. This is why the potential of quantum computing is limitless. To harness it as a tool for humanity's sustainable future and quality of life, Yonsei University plans to focus first on enhancing "quantum literacy."

"Quantum literacy refers to education at various levels, ranging from undergraduate and graduate students to the industry. This is the core function of a university, and our quantum computer will provide the momentum to help us solve various problems and progress to the next stage."

Beginning with raising awareness of the importance and necessity of quantum computing, strengthening cooperation between academia and industry, and building a quantum computing ecosystem, Yonsei University aims to bring quantum computing into everyday life and lead a paradigm shift for the future. Based on this vision, the university will realize and drive the infinite possibilities of quantum computing as the game changer of future technologies.

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