IonQ and KISTI Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Quantum-HPC Hybrid Technologies in South Korea with NVIDIA NVQLink

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Key Terms

quantum-hpc hybrid technical

A quantum-HPC hybrid is a computing setup that pairs a quantum processor, which can tackle certain hard problems in novel ways, with a traditional high-performance computer that handles routine, large-scale calculations. Think of it as a relay team where each runner plays to their strengths: the quantum unit tackles specialized, hard-to-crack steps while the classical system manages the heavy lifting and data flow. For investors, this matters because hybrids aim to deliver faster or more efficient solutions in areas like chemistry, optimization and machine learning, potentially creating competitive advantage but also carrying technology, timing and cost risks.

gpu-based supercomputers technical

GPU-based supercomputers are high-performance systems that use graphics processors—chips designed to handle many tasks at once—to run huge calculations for artificial intelligence, simulations, data analysis and scientific modeling. For investors they matter because these machines can speed product development, unlock new services and drive demand for cloud, chip and infrastructure providers; think of them as fleets of many hands working in parallel to finish complex projects far faster than a single worker could.

trapped-ion quantum systems technical

Trapped-ion quantum systems are devices that use electrically charged atoms held in place by electromagnetic fields and controlled with lasers to store and manipulate quantum bits of information. Think of them as tiny, suspended compass needles whose orientations encode data; their precise control makes them a leading approach to building powerful quantum computers and sensors, so progress, funding, or contracts in this area can signal potential long-term disruption or growth opportunities for investors.

ai models technical

AI models are computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data to make predictions, sort information, or carry out tasks without explicit step-by-step instructions. For investors, they matter because these models can boost productivity, improve forecasting, automate decisions and cut costs — like hiring a highly skilled analyst who works nonstop — but they also introduce risks such as errors, hidden biases and regulatory or competitive impacts.

machine learning technical

Machine learning is a set of computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data and improve their predictions or decisions over time, like a recipe that gets better each time it’s adjusted based on taste tests. For investors it matters because these systems can speed up analysis, spot trends or risks humans might miss, automate routine work, and potentially create competitive advantages or cost savings that affect a company’s performance.

llm fine tuning technical

LLM fine tuning is the process of adapting a large language model to perform better for a specific task or set of data by retraining it on targeted examples. Think of it like customizing a general-purpose appliance—tweaking settings so it works just right for a particular job. For investors, fine tuning matters because it can improve a product’s accuracy, reduce errors and support new features, which affects customer adoption, costs and competitive differentiation.

03/16/2026 - 04:30 PM

Collaboration on quantum-classical integration, AI model development, and the expansion of the national quantum ecosystem

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a global leader in quantum computing, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a collaborative business engagement with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI). This MOU, announced at NVIDIA GTC, outlines a shared vision for the organizations to explore the advancement of quantum-high performance computing (HPC) hybrid technologies incorporating NVIDIA accelerated computing and supporting the development of a robust ecosystem within South Korea.

“The scale and scope of this alliance represents a powerful convergence of quantum, AI, and classical supercomputing expertise,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By working with KISTI, we are seeking to create a pathway for South Korea to be a global leader in hybrid quantum-classical research. This initiative is intended to provide the foundational technology and AI models necessary to accelerate the practical application of quantum computing worldwide.”

“This collaboration with IonQ and NVIDIA is a critical step in building a national quantum-HPC infrastructure that can solve the most complex scientific challenges,” said Jaegyoon Hahm, Director of the Center for Quantum Computing Service at KISTI. “By leveraging NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing platforms alongside IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems, we are ensuring that South Korean researchers and enterprises remain at the forefront of the quantum era.”

The MOU focuses on seeking to establish a phased approach to integrate IonQ’s industry-leading quantum hardware with KISTI’s world-class HPC infrastructure using NVIDIA NVQLink, an open architecture that connects quantum computers to GPU-based supercomputers. By combining these technologies, the parties aim to conduct research and development on quantum-HPC hybrid applications, including the simulation of quantum algorithms and technologies for next-generation hardware.

Key initiatives anticipated under the MOU include:

Hybrid Infrastructure Integration: Joint research on quantum-HPC hybrid technologies focusing on the integration of IonQ hardware and KISTI HPC infrastructure.
Advanced Quantum Simulation: Joint research on the simulation of quantum algorithms, applications, and technologies for next-generation hardware.
AI for Quantum: Development of AI models specifically designed to accelerate quantum technologies.
Talent and Ecosystem Development: Mutual research visits, workshops, and training to develop local quantum talent and expand the computing ecosystem in Korea.
Quantum for HPC and AI: Explore the use of quantum computers to boost the impact of current HPC and ML applications in areas such as logistics, chemistry, material science, and LLM fine tuning.

The MOU underscores IonQ’s continued momentum in the Asia-Pacific region and its commitment to providing flexible, hardware-agnostic solutions that interface with the world’s most advanced classical computing platforms. It reinforces IonQ’s regional commitment as evidenced through its collaborations with other partnerships in Korea with SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, Intellian Technologies, and leading academic institutions such as Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the forthcoming IonQ Tempo, will be the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Toronto, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

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