Quantum computers perform computations using quantum mechanics, a principle observed in the microscopic world. Quantum mechanics suggests that particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Unlike classical computers, which use bits (0s and 1s) based on the presence or absence of electrons, quantum computers use qubits that can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously due to superposition. By leveraging qubits, quantum computers can perform multiple calculations at once, solving cryptographic problems in seconds that would take supercomputers hundreds of years. They also enhance the accuracy of predictions in fields such as chemical reactions and stock market forecasts.

Leading scientific and technological nations have long recognized the potential of quantum computers and are advancing their commercialization. However, South Korea lags behind, with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) being the only domestic organization to develop a quantum computer, while others have only imported foreign products.

A South Korean company has announced plans to develop the nation’s first domestically produced quantum computer. Norma, which began as a cybersecurity firm in 2011, has recently expanded into developing quantum computer software, including operating systems and solutions. The company is now working on creating a physical quantum computer to run its proprietary software. In an interview with ChosunBiz on Aug. 22, Norma CEO Jung Hyun-chul said, “By the end of this year, Norma will be the first company in South Korea to produce a quantum computer.”

Norma CEO Jung Hyun-chul poses for an interview with ChosunBiz at the company’s headquarters in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on Aug. 22, 2024. He said, "We plan to launch South Korea's first industrial quantum computer, 'Qrion,' by the end of this year." The quantum processing unit (QPU) in Qrion has been developed in-house by Norma. /Lee Byung-chul

Jung, who earned his Ph.D. in computer engineering from Korea University, developed an interest in quantum mechanics during his postdoctoral research, focusing on quantum computing and quantum security. His personal passion for these areas drove Norma’s expansion into quantum computing. He joined Norma as CEO in 2014.

However, commercializing quantum technology presents challenges due to South Korea’s underdeveloped quantum industry ecosystem. Premature expansion could pose risks rather than opportunities. “We had the chance to showcase Norma’s quantum security solutions, and some companies even requested live hacking demonstrations with quantum computers,” Jung said. “Although the domestic quantum computing industry is still in its early stages, I’ve learned there is considerable interest in next-generation technologies.”

Norma initially focused on developing quantum computer software but later expanded to offer services for implementing this software in quantum computing environments tailored to their clients’ needs. In the financial sector, accurately evaluating credit requires analyzing various indicators, a task where classical computing technology falls short.

Jung noted that while exploring which industries might benefit from quantum computers, he found interest from fintech, biotech, and chemical sectors. “In particular, fintech, which merges finance and IT, uses quantum computing for credit assessments and stock predictions, with JPMorgan already utilizing quantum computers,” he added.

Norma CEO Jung Hyun-chul demonstrates quantum computer software. The screen shown acts as a simulator mimicking a quantum computer. Once the quantum computer is launched at the end of this year, it will be usable in actual quantum computing environments. /Lee Byung-chul

Norma has already partnered with international companies and research institutions to develop quantum computer software tailored to their needs. Major clients include the University of Edinburgh in the U.K., Singapore’s Institute of Technology (SIT), Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. Jung explained, “Due to ongoing projects, we cannot disclose specifics for security reasons, but we primarily collaborate with overseas companies.”

In addition to quantum computer software and services, Norma aims to launch South Korea’s first industrial quantum computer by the end of this year. The quantum computer, named “Qrion,” uses a superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU), similar to the CPU in classical computers. With around five qubits, Qrion trails models like Google’s 53-qubit Sycamore, but it holds significance as the first quantum computer developed by a South Korean company.