Participants in the Quantum Flagship (Quantum Communication and Sensing) R&D Insight Exchange pose for a group photo. [IITP]
Participants in the Quantum Flagship (Quantum Communication and Sensing) R&D Insight Exchange pose for a group photo. [IITP]

A forum has been held to share progress on key strategic technologies including quantum internet, GPS-free navigation and quantum MRI.

The Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) said it hosted the Quantum Flagship (Quantum Communication and Sensing) R&D Insight Exchange at the Daejeon Convention Center on Monday and Tuesday.

The two-day event drew more than 100 experts from about 50 organizations, bringing together industry, academic and research professionals working in quantum communication and quantum sensing to share research progress and results.

The Quantum Flagship project is the first large-scale national research and development initiative in the quantum field. In the quantum communication and quantum sensing sectors, 19 research and development tasks have been under way since October last year.

In quantum communication, the project aims to develop quantum memory and quantum repeaters — core technologies for realizing a future quantum internet — and to secure the capability to transmit quantum information over distances of up to 100 kilometers.

In quantum sensing, the goal is to develop world-class ultra-high-resolution quantum sensors applicable across a range of industries, including defense, semiconductors and biotech and medical fields.

Technologies under development include a quantum navigation sensor capable of providing precise positioning and navigation data in environments where GPS is unavailable, a quantum magnetic field sensor to improve diagnostic accuracy for brain and heart conditions, and a next-generation ultra-high-resolution quantum microscope.

Jang Eun-jeong, head of IITP's Digital Infrastructure Division, said the exchange allowed participants to share the progress of individual research tasks and discuss potential applications of research outcomes, strategies for securing technological competitiveness and future commercialization directions. "IITP will provide systematic management of research and development tasks and support collaboration among researchers, and will actively contribute to building a quantum technology ecosystem so that outstanding research results can spread into industry," she said.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com