South Korea Faces Challenges in Quantum Computing Amidst Global Advancements
In the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, a significant gap is emerging between South Korea and global leaders like the United States and China. While the US and China are aggressively investing in this transformative technology — most recently with Microsoft’s announcement of a major breakthrough — South Korea faces considerable challenges in terms of talent, investment, and overall progress.
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 and the Quantum Computing Landscape
On February 19, Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip utilizing a new state of matter. This advancement could give Microsoft a competitive edge over companies like Google and IBM. If validated, the technology could revolutionize fields like drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and chemistry.
The new processor uses topological qubits, which Microsoft believes will enable the development of quantum computers “capable of solving meaningful, industrial-scale problems, in years, not decades.” Microsoft has taken what it calls a “high-risk, high-reward” approach by utilizing Majorana particles. These particles are their own antiparticles, potentially creating qubits that are more stable and easier to scale. The current Majorana 1 chip uses eight qubits but Microsoft hopes to eventually hold one million.
Skepticism and Validation
However, experts remain cautious about the validity of Microsoft’s claims. John, a leading expert in quantum computing at the California Institute of Technology, stated on X, “In their roadmap, Microsoft described a protocol for demonstrating a topologically protected qubit. There is no publicly available evidence that this test has been conducted successfully.”
Lee Yong-ho, head of the Center for Superconducting Quantum Computing System at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, mirrors this skepticism and said, “As for the actual implementation of the technology, we have to wait and see.”
The State of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing differs from classical computers in how it processes and stores information. Classical computers use bits (0 or 1), while quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, that can be 0, 1, or a combination of both simultaneously due to superposition. This allows for massively parallel processing, but the delicate nature of qubits makes them prone to errors. Microsoft’s approach aims to improve qubit stability.
South Korea’s Position
South Korea lags significantly behind the US and China in the quantum computing race. This is due to several factors.
- Talent Shortage: The US has 3,526 quantum computing experts and China has 3,282, while South Korea has only 264. The gap is significant, according to industry insiders.
- Investment disparity: China has invested approximately $15 billion in quantum technology in the past five years compared to around $3.8 billion by the US.
- Technology gaps: A report by the Ministry of Science and ICT ranked South Korea last among 12 major countries in all quantum technology sectors.
In the quantum computing sector, the US scored the highest points with 100, while China was at 35, and Korea was at 2.3.
South Korea’s Response
South Korea is beginning to recognize the need to invest in quantum technology. In 2023, the government announced a plan to inject over 3 trillion won ($2.09 billion) by 2035 and increase the number of quantum researchers by sevenfold, to 2,500. For 2024, 198.1 billion won is slated for investment.
Despite these efforts, experts worry about the Brain Drain. An increasing number of young experts are leaving Korea for job opportunities abroad further exacerbates the issue.
