Second MOU in advanced sectors following robotics—Gyeongsangbuk-do’s "Four Major Foundries" vision gains momentum

Supply chain cooperation with IonQ, SDT, and Gumi City; all-around exchanges in research, talent, and investment with the State of Maryland 

Expanding industry cooperation touchpoints with global companies like Microsoft and IBM at QWC 2026

Gyeongsangbuk-do has signed consecutive memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements with the State of Maryland and global quantum companies, taking a full-fledged step toward establishing a cooperative foundation for local manufacturing companies to enter the global quantum industry.

On September 23 (local time), Gyeongsangbuk-do signed a four-way MOU for quantum technology and supply chain cooperation with Gumi City, IonQ, and SDT in the State of Maryland, followed by a strategic cooperation agreement with Maryland for the quantum industry sector.

Through these agreements, the province has built an enterprise-centered industrial cooperation network that connects the technology and business demands of global quantum companies with Gyeongbuk's manufacturing capabilities. It has also established an interregional cooperative framework encompassing research, talent, and investment.

In addition, the province participated in the "Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026" held in College Park, Maryland, expanding its cooperative network with global corporations and institutions such as Microsoft, IBM, and IonQ.

◈ Supply Chain Cooperation with IonQ and SDT… Exploring Local Manufacturers' Entry into the Quantum Industry

Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gumi City, IonQ, and SDT signed a four-way MOU for quantum technology and supply chain cooperation at IonQ's headquarters.

This agreement was designed to combine the quantum technology and business capabilities of IonQ and SDT with the manufacturing infrastructure of Gyeongbuk and Gumi. The objective is to expand the technology and know-how accumulated by local companies in existing flagship industries—such as semiconductors, electronic components, and advanced materials—into the new market of the quantum industry.

The four institutions and companies agreed to explore cooperation in areas where Gumi's manufacturing strengths can be fully utilized, such as testing, packaging, and assembly of quantum components.

Based on their quantum technology and business capabilities, IonQ and SDT will discover cooperative projects with local companies and universities. Meanwhile, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gumi City plan to support the participation of local industries by linking opportunity development zones, local industrial infrastructure, and corporate support systems. They also plan to strengthen ties among universities, research institutions, and enterprises to ensure cooperative projects translate into actual business outcomes.

Niccolo de Massi, CEO of IonQ, emphasized, "For the commercialization of quantum technology, manufacturing capabilities are essential beyond lab-scale science. Building upon this partnership, IonQ will take the lead in creating practical economic value in quantum computing and expanding the ecosystem."

Yoon Ji-won, CEO of SDT, stated, "We will combine IonQ's world-class quantum technology with SDT's precision manufacturing capabilities to establish a mass-production system alongside Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gumi City."

Jung Sung-hyun, Deputy Mayor of Gumi City, emphasized, "With Gumi's excellent electronic and semiconductor infrastructure, we will emerge as a core hub for the quantum supply chain, including testing and packaging, and provide unsparing support for companies entering the global quantum market."

◈ Strategic Partnership with Maryland… Expanding Research, Talent, and Investment Cooperation

Subsequently, Gyeongsangbuk-do signed an MOU for strategic cooperation in the quantum industry sector with the State of Maryland. Building upon enterprise-level cooperation centered around IonQ and SDT, the initiative broadens the scope of participation to include universities, research institutes, and supply chain companies from both regions. By combining Maryland's R&D capabilities with Gyeongbuk's manufacturing base, the two sides plan to foster a quantum industry ecosystem that connects research and talent development with production and commercialization.

Notably, Yang Geum-hee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, shared a common background as politicians and engineers, discussing how Gyeongsangbuk-do and Maryland can grow together to become the capital of the quantum industry.

Through its "Capital of Quantum" project, the State of Maryland is driving over $1 billion in public and private investments over the next five years, supporting quantum R&D, testing infrastructure construction, the attraction of companies and startups, and the cultivation of specialized talent.

Gyeongbuk plans to integrate its industrial capabilities with Maryland's research and corporate ecosystem, broadening exchanges across quantum industry supply chains, research and education, talent exchange, Quantum AI, and investment cooperation.

To this end, both sides plan to establish a working-level consultation channel to strengthen ties among universities, research institutes, and corporations, prioritizing and materializing tasks that can be implemented first.

◈ Expanding Industrial Cooperation Touchpoints with Global Enterprises at QWC 2026

Gyeongsangbuk-do also participated in "QWC 2026" on the same day, visiting the exhibition booths of major global companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and IonQ to review the latest technologies and industrial trends in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. The delegation exchanged views with corporate representatives on the industrialization of quantum technology, market outlooks, and supply chain shifts, seeking possibilities for cooperation with local businesses.

At a reception attended by global quantum enterprises, government officials, and research institution representatives, Gyeongsangbuk-do introduced its industrial infrastructure and direction for fostering the quantum industry. Building upon the network established on-site, the province plans to identify technological and supply chain demands of global enterprises and create business opportunities for local companies.

◈ Robotics Followed by Quantum… Vice Governor Yang Geum-hee Concreteizes "Four Major Foundries" Vision

This agreement marks the second sector-specific cooperation achievement—following the robotics foundry establishment agreement signed by Gyeongsangbuk-do, Pohang City, and Neuromeka on September 9—that concreteizes Gyeongbuk's "Four Major Future Industry Foundries" vision. Following robotics, the province continues its stride toward establishing high-tech industrial production bases by securing cooperative foundations in the quantum sector as well.

Since the launch of the Economic Innovation Promotion Task Force last year, Vice Governor Yang Geum-hee has planned the Four Major Foundries initiative and met directly with business leaders to discuss commercialization measures.

The Four Major Foundries vision focuses on establishing high-tech industrial manufacturing and production bases across four fields: robotics in Pohang, semiconductors and quantum in Gumi, and pharmaceuticals in Andong. Moving beyond conventional corporate attraction and support, the core strategy involves local government participating alongside companies in building production bases and connecting policy financing through a co-investment model.

Yang Geum-hee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "Because manufacturing infrastructure and a stable supply chain are essential for the industrialization of quantum technology, this agreement with global quantum enterprise IonQ is deeply meaningful. Cooperation with the State of Maryland will also combine Maryland's excellent research and technological capabilities with Gyeongbuk's manufacturing prowess to support local companies in entering the global quantum industry."

She added, "Following robotics, we are establishing cooperative foundations in the quantum sector as well, bringing our Four Major Foundries vision to life step by step. We will push forward with actionable follow-up tasks to connect these agreements into actual business and investment, ensuring that the results translate into real orders and youth jobs for local companies."