IQM Launches Quantum Computer in Seoul

The Quantum Leap: IQM’s Strategic Expansion into Asia-Pacific and the Future of Computing
Quantum computing is no longer the stuff of sci-fi dreams—it’s a rapidly evolving reality, and companies like IQM Quantum Computers are leading the charge. Founded in Helsinki, Finland, in 2018, IQM has quickly risen as a global powerhouse in superconducting quantum computers, specializing in full-stack systems tailored for high-performance computing (HPC), research institutions, and enterprises. Now, the company is making waves in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with a bold expansion into South Korea marked by a new Seoul office opening in June 2025. This move isn’t just about planting a flag; it’s a calculated play to accelerate quantum innovation in a market hungry for cutting-edge tech.
The Seoul office, spearheaded by country manager Youngsim Kim, follows IQM’s first APAC foothold in Singapore and underscores the company’s commitment to collaboration and rapid deployment. Case in point: IQM recently installed its first South Korean quantum computer at Chungbuk National University (CBNU)—a 150-qubit “IQM Spark” system—in just four months. This milestone isn’t just a win for IQM’s logistics team; it’s a glimpse into the future of quantum accessibility. But why South Korea, and why now? The answer lies in a trifecta of strategy, partnerships, and a global race to quantum supremacy.

Quantum in the Land of Morning Calm: Why South Korea?

South Korea isn’t just a tech-savvy nation; it’s a quantum-ready one. The government’s “Quantum Korea 2023” initiative has laid the groundwork for heavy investment in quantum research, making it a prime target for IQM’s expansion. The CBNU installation isn’t just a hardware drop—it’s a catalyst for education and research, designed to train the next generation of quantum scientists. With the IQM Spark system offering high-fidelity qubits and unparalleled connectivity, universities and labs gain an affordable entry point into quantum experimentation.
But IQM isn’t going it alone. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norma, a local heavyweight, aims to leverage South Korea’s industrial network for faster quantum adoption. This partnership mirrors IQM’s global playbook: combine cutting-edge tech with local expertise to accelerate integration. For a country already leading in semiconductors and 5G, quantum computing is the next logical frontier—and IQM is ensuring it’s not left behind.

Beyond Qubits: The Ecosystem Play

IQM’s APAC push isn’t just about selling machines; it’s about building an ecosystem. The company’s fabrication facility in Finland operates as a dual-purpose hub, churning out scalable quantum hardware while doubling as a workforce development project. This “build-and-train” model is critical for sustaining long-term growth, especially as IQM eyes fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2030—a technical moonshot aimed at overcoming quantum decoherence, the Achilles’ heel of current systems.
The APAC region is a testing ground for this vision. With more 150-qubit deliveries scheduled and advanced software integrations for HPCs, IQM is betting that quantum’s killer apps—cryptography, drug discovery, materials science—will emerge from collaborative hubs like Seoul. The speed of the CBNU installation proves IQM can deliver; now, the challenge is proving quantum’s real-world value beyond academia.

The Global Quantum Race: IQM’s Edge

While IBM, Google, and Chinese giants jostle for quantum dominance, IQM’s niche lies in its agility and focus. The company has delivered more quantum computers in the past year than any competitor, a testament to its streamlined operations and superconducting expertise. Unlike gate-based rivals, IQM’s NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) approach prioritizes near-term usability, bridging the gap between theoretical potential and practical application.
South Korea’s demand for optimization and AI-driven solutions aligns perfectly with this pragmatism. From logistics to finance, industries are clamoring for quantum-powered efficiency gains—and IQM’s hardware, paired with local partnerships, positions it as a problem-solver, not just a vendor.

The Future Is Superconducting

IQM’s APAC expansion is more than a corporate milestone; it’s a microcosm of quantum computing’s global trajectory. By embedding itself in South Korea’s tech ecosystem, the company isn’t just chasing market share—it’s shaping how quantum evolves outside Western labs. The Seoul office and CBNU installation are early steps, but they signal a broader shift: quantum is moving from lab curiosity to industrial tool, and IQM is ensuring it’s at the forefront.
As the world inches toward fault-tolerant systems, IQM’s blend of speed, collaboration, and educational investment could make it the quiet titan of the quantum revolution. For South Korea—and the APAC region at large—the message is clear: the quantum future isn’t coming. It’s already here.