At the Frontier of Innovation: Quebec and Korea Advancing Quantum Collaboration and Strategic Relations
- Nam Hyun Cho
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
At this year’s Conference de Montréal (May 2025), Quebec and Korea came together to align strategies and strengthen collaboration in one of the world’s most transformative fields: quantum technology. QKBA was invited to this session by DQS, one of our honorary corporate members, highlighting the importance of our role in fostering bilateral dialogue and partnerships. The session brought together leaders from Korea’s premier research institutions and Quebec’s innovation ecosystem, underscoring the shared vision of both regions to drive technological advancement through international cooperation.
Korea’s Quantum Vision
Dr. Yonkyu Park, Vice President of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), presented Korea’s ambitious roadmap for quantum development. Korea aims to become a quantum economic leader by 2035, advancing in three core areas from the following:
Quantum Computing
Quantum Communication
Quantum Sensing
To achieve these set objective goals, KRISS has launched 10 key assignments across three strategic pillars: securing core competencies, building a foundation for industrialization, and strengthening global cooperation and technology security.
Investment to Quantum technology advancement is surging, with a 54.1% increase in funding (198.1 billion KRW), and KRISS is spearheading Korea’s Quantum Flagship Project, to be unveiled later in 2025.
KRISS has already achieved breakthroughs in quantum sensing and networks, including secure communication over 20 km and the launch of a quantum sensing technology testbed. Additionally, the Quantum Computing Scale Up Valley Project will support the growth of quantum startups and companies through an open innovation hub.
Quebec’s Role in the Quantum Ecosystem
Quebec is globally recognized for its strong quantum ecosystem, particularly through the Sherbrooke Innovation Zone and its leadership in applied quantum research. Despite a global shortage of experts, Quebec continues to train and retain highly skilled researchers, building a pipeline of talent to support the adoption of emerging quantum technologies.
Panelists highlighted that Quebec’s AI ecosystem, especially MILA, serves as a proven model for how disruptive technologies can scale. The years of dedicated effort to advance quantum technology have fostered a collaborative approach, bringing together academia, government, and industry. This model offers valuable lessons for quantum progress, both in research and in real world business applications. By combining Quebec’s research strengths with Korea’s infrastructure and investment, the partnership is well positioned to set new global benchmarks in innovation.
Panel Discussion Highlights: Safety, Business, and Talent in Quantum Field
The panel discussion explored how quantum technologies are poised to impact safety, environmental standards, and entrepreneurship, providing valuable insights for both governments and the private sector in the long run. Both Korean and Quebec innovation panelists highlighted that cybersecurity is one of the most critical areas where Quantum technology can make a transformative impact. With increasing threats to sensitive data and digital infrastructure, Quantum systems such as Quantum encryption and post Quantum Cryptography offer unprecedented levels of security that cannot be achieved with classical methods. By enabling ultra secure communication networks and protecting critical information, Quantum technology is set to become a cornerstone of global cybersecurity strategies, ensuring that governments, businesses, and individuals can operate safely in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Safety and Environment:
Quantum communication networks offer unprecedented levels of data security and integrity, which can significantly enhance the safety of critical infrastructure. Beyond cybersecurity, quantum technologies have the potential to improve environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices. While widespread adoption will take time, the panel emphasized that early deployment in key sectors such as defense, healthcare, and energy will demonstrate quantum’s tangible benefits for societal safety and environmental responsibility.
Entrepreneurship and Early Adoption
Panelist drew parallels between the adoption of Quantum technology and the rise of artificial intelligence, highlighting that quantum is likely to first transform specialized applications. These include Post Quantum Cryptography, advanced sensing, and secure communication networks. Entrepreneurs and business leaders are encouraged to evaluate how quantum capabilities can enhance data security, optimize operations, and create competitive advantages. Early adoption will not only allow organizations to safeguard sensitive information but also position them at the forefront of innovation in a fast evolving technological landscape.
Talent and Ecosystem Development
A recurring theme was the critical importance of nurturing and retaining top talent. Institutions such as KAIST in Korea and research centers in Sherbrooke, Quebec are producing highly skilled researchers who are essential to advancing Quantum initiatives. Panelists emphasized that sustaining innovation requires a long term vision, shared infrastructure, and international collaboration. By building a collaborative ecosystem that unites academia, industry, and government, both regions can accelerate quantum adoption, foster entrepreneurship, and develop the next generation of global leaders in this transformative field.
The discussion made it clear that strategic partnerships, investment in talent, and proactive engagement in quantum innovation are not optional—they are essential for maintaining global competitiveness and creating sustainable, secure, and technologically advanced societies.
A Strategic Partnership Declaration: Daejeon city and Quebec province Officially Signed MOU at the Conference
The session also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Daejeon Metropolitan City and the Government of Quebec, signaling the start of a broader and long term strategic collaboration. This agreement covers key areas including aerospace, batteries, energy, and quantum technology, and reflects a mutual commitment to foster innovation, research, and sustainable development.
Mayor Janghoon Lee of Daejeon emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“Daejeon and Quebec are each leaders in their respective fields. Through cooperation in aerospace, quantum, bio, and energy, we aim to take another step forward together. This collaboration is more than regional—it is a strategic alliance.”
The MOU represents a framework for knowledge sharing, joint research initiatives, and talent exchange between the two regions. Quebec representatives echoed this sentiment, noting that the agreement is not merely a short term collaboration but a foundation for long term cooperation that will strengthen both regions’ positions in the global innovation landscape. By connecting the strengths of Daejeon’s research and industrial ecosystem with Quebec’s academic excellence and innovation capabilities, the partnership creates opportunities for joint projects, technological development, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce.
Both parties anticipate that this strategic alliance will lead to tangible results in scientific breakthroughs, commercial applications, and international competitiveness.
The MOU also highlights the importance of bilateral collaboration in emerging sectors, setting a model for other regions seeking to combine expertise, resources, and talent to address global challenges. It demonstrates a shared vision of leveraging innovation to drive economic growth, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and advance sustainable technologies.
Looking Ahead on Quebec Korea Relationship
The Quebec Korea initiatives from both governments at the Conference de Montréal underscored how global collaboration is essential in the fast evolving quantum landscape. By combining Korea’s ambitious national strategy with Quebec’s innovation strengths, both regions are positioning themselves as leaders in the next wave of technological transformation.
QKBA was honoured to witness this historical moment of another significant Quebec Korea collaboration. Since our launch and the rollout of our initiatives to support a bilateral collaborative environment, we remain committed to fostering these efforts not only in innovation but also through business, culture, and all aspects of soft and hard power, with the goal of strengthening the overall bilateral ecosystem.
This partnership represents more than just bilateral cooperation—it is a vision for a future of innovation collaboration that extends beyond quantum technology to include aerospace, energy, biohealth, artificial intelligence, and other emerging sectors. By fostering cross sector partnerships, knowledge sharing, and talent exchange, Quebec and Korea are building a multifaceted ecosystem that supports secure communication, sustainable development, and global competitiveness, while strengthening a lasting and diverse Quebec Korea relationship.