South Korea's four science institutes unite to develop ultra-precise quantum sensors

South Korea's four major science and technology institutes are joining forces to develop next-generation ultra-precise quantum sensors, committing a combined 26 billion won ($19.3 million) to the effort. The goal is to secure foundational technology that surpasses the precision and sensitivity limits of conventional sensors and apply it across advanced industries including semiconductors, healthcare and defense.

The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) announced Friday that it held a launch ceremony for the Quantum Sensing Strategic Research Center on Thursday at its Consilience Hall, formally kicking off development of ultra-precise quantum sensor technology.

The five-year project, running from 2026 through 2030, will receive a total of 26 billion won in funding. DGIST will lead the initiative, with KAIST, the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) participating as joint research partners.

Quantum sensors use the quantum mechanical properties of atoms and photons to measure physical quantities such as magnetic fields and light with exceptional precision. Because they can detect minute changes that conventional sensors cannot, they are drawing attention as a core technology for next-generation advanced industries.

The research consortium will pool the quantum materials, light-source and detection, and circuit and systems design expertise of each institution, pursuing everything from securing foundational quantum sensor technology to building a commercialization framework.

The three core research areas are: developing foundational quantum sensor technology based on photons, atoms and superconductors; establishing sensor fabrication processes and platforms; and building a quantum transformation (QX) platform to verify industrial applicability.

Through this work, the consortium plans to acquire capabilities in ultra-precise magnetic field measurement, single-photon detection and quantum imaging, then expand their application into future mobility, semiconductors, healthcare and defense.

DGIST will leverage its existing 6-inch research-grade semiconductor fabrication facility (R&D FAB) and its 8-inch commercialization fab (D-FAB), currently under construction. The institute plans to establish a validation framework linking sensor design, fabrication, packaging and performance verification end-to-end, accelerating the translation of research results into industrial use.

The launch ceremony was attended by DGIST President Lee Geon-woo, Quantum Sensing Strategic Research Center Director Yu Cheon-yeol and Korea Basic Science Institute President Park Seong-gyun, along with representatives from industry, academia and research institutions.

An expert panel discussion followed, with researchers from KAIST, UNIST, GIST and POSTECH taking part to discuss the direction of quantum sensor research, the development of specialized talent and avenues for inter-institutional cooperation.

"The launch of this research center is an important starting point for building a national quantum sensor ecosystem essential for the coming era of quantum transformation — beyond the current era of AI transformation," Yu said. "We will devote every effort to securing world-class ultra-precise quantum sensor technology so that the foundational research achievements of Korea's science and technology institutes can be applied in actual industrial settings."