SDT partners with IonQ to establish quantum computer manufacturing hub in Gumi

SDT, a South Korean quantum technology company, has teamed up with US quantum computing firm IonQ to pursue quantum computer manufacturing and system integration across the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, with plans to build a dedicated facility in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

SDT announced Tuesday that the two companies had signed a strategic partnership centered on the initiative.

Under the agreement, IonQ will supply SDT with its latest quantum computer, the Superion 256, and silicon vacancy (SiV) quantum memory modules — the first time either system has been introduced to South Korea.

The deal gives SDT a strategic position to develop into IonQ's preferred manufacturing partner in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region. As IonQ expands its business there, SDT will have first right to negotiate new manufacturing opportunities, including production of quantum memory and related components, as well as assembly, integration and commissioning of quantum computing systems.

SDT will also receive phased technology and know-how transfers from IonQ to prepare for commercial production of SiV quantum memory modules, and will participate in the assembly, integration, commissioning and operation of quantum computing systems.

To support the partnership, SDT will build a dedicated quantum manufacturing and system integration facility in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, meeting IonQ's technical specifications.

The Superion 256 will be deployed at a hybrid quantum-classical data center at a domestic cancer center currently being established. The two companies will collaborate on building infrastructure for medical data and biotech and medical research.

"With this deployment, SDT will have the key building blocks for high-performance quantum computing and future quantum data centers," said Niccolo de Masi, IonQ's board chairman and CEO.

Yoon Ji-won, CEO of SDT, said the partnership marks "an important turning point" for the company's entry into the global quantum industry's manufacturing ecosystem. "Through our collaboration with IonQ, we will secure world-class quantum manufacturing and system integration capabilities, and expand them across diverse quantum technologies and partners," Yoon said.

SDT specializes in materials, components and equipment for quantum technology. The company develops and produces key components for quantum computers and provides cloud services built around quantum computing systems.