Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea – In a significant move to spearhead the nation's advancement into the quantum era, Daejeon Metropolitan City has forged a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on May 16th at the city hall, outlining a comprehensive collaboration aimed at invigorating the quantum industry and bolstering the global competitiveness of South Korean enterprises.

The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by key figures including Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, AWS Korea Public Sector Country Manager Yoon Jeong-won, and Head of Technology for AWS Asia Pacific Public Sector Abhinav Sethi. The collaboration will encompass the entire lifecycle of quantum technology development and industrialization, focusing on quantum technology validation, industrialization support, talent cultivation, and global connectivity.

A cornerstone of this partnership is the introduction of Amazon Braket, AWS's fully managed quantum computing service, to universities, research institutions, and businesses within Daejeon. Amazon Braket provides a versatile platform for researchers, scientists, and developers to begin experimenting with quantum computing. This initiative will enable local organizations to conduct practical quantum algorithm experiments and validate industrial applications of quantum technologies. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate the gradual technological transition for non-quantum companies operating in AI and IT sectors.

Leveraging AWS's "Quantum Embark" program, the collaboration will extend tailored consulting services and cloud-based validation environments to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic alignment seeks to enhance their potential for global market entry through joint support programs. Quantum Embark offers a structured approach to quantum computing adoption, featuring three standard modules: expert-led education, use case exploration, and in-depth analysis. The program is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge to understand cutting-edge quantum technologies based on their specific business needs and to develop long-term roadmaps for implementation.

Daejeon City envisions this collaboration as a catalyst to create a holistic ecosystem for the quantum industry. By integrating AWS's global platform with the city's existing quantum infrastructure, including its skilled workforce, government-funded research institutions, and companies within the research and industrial complexes, the aim is to facilitate the seamless validation, transition, and widespread adoption of quantum technologies. This strategic move positions Daejeon at the forefront of the impending quantum industrialization era in South Korea.

During the signing ceremony, Mayor Lee Jang-woo emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "In this symbolic year marking the global focus on quantum science and technology, it is profoundly meaningful to take this first step in collaboration with the global leader AWS. This agreement transcends a simple technological alliance; it marks the starting point for Daejeon to emerge as a global hub for the quantum industry."

Echoing this sentiment, Yoon Jeong-won, AWS Korea Public Sector Country Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "We are delighted to partner with Daejeon City to accelerate quantum technology innovation in Korea. Through Amazon Braket, researchers and businesses in Daejeon will gain easy access to global quantum hardware, contributing significantly to the strengthening of the Korean quantum ecosystem and Daejeon's advancement as a global hub."

This strategic alliance between Daejeon and AWS underscores the growing recognition of quantum computing's transformative potential across various industries, including materials science, drug discovery, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence. By providing access to advanced quantum computing resources and expertise, this collaboration aims to foster innovation, create new economic opportunities, and solidify Daejeon's position as a key player in the global quantum landscape. The partnership is expected to drive significant advancements in quantum research and development within the region, ultimately contributing to South Korea's overall leadership in this cutting-edge field.

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