Kim Dong-ho, MegazoneCloud CQO "Now is the Golden Time for Quantum Cloud"

「Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are practically difficult to solve with existing computers. However, due to massive construction costs, high operating costs, and accuracy issues, it is not suitable for companies to use on their own. Therefore, a cloud-based 'Quantum as a Service' model is essential, and now is the golden time for quantum cloud.」

Kim Dong-ho, Chief Quantum Officer (CQO) of Megazone Cloud, revealed the future prospects of the quantum computing market and Megazone Cloud's quantum computing strategy through an interview with IT Chosun. He presented software, algorithm competitiveness, and service-based platforms as areas where Korea should focus.

Before joining Megazone Cloud, Kim Dong-ho, Chief Quantum Officer (CQO), led quantum computing-related strategies and research at LG Electronics and POSCO Holdings. He served as the first chairman of the Korea Quantum Industry Association and is also participating as a member of the Quantum Strategy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. Based on Kim Dong-ho CQO's experience, Megazone Cloud is actively pursuing a Quantum as a Service (QaaS) model strategy and is participating in the construction of national-level quantum cloud infrastructure through participation in quantum computing service and utilization system construction projects.

Now is the 'Golden Time' for Quantum Cloud… 「Algorithms and Platforms Must Grow Together」

Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「I believe the current global quantum computing market has entered the stage of full-scale commercialization preparation」 and 「Around 2027, practical industrial applications are expected to become possible in the finance, pharmaceutical, optimization, and new materials sectors.」 He also added, 「Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are practically difficult to solve with existing computers, such as new drug development, new material design, financial risk analysis, and logistics optimization, and can create enormous economic value across various industrial sectors.」

In recent years, quantum computer technology worldwide has moved beyond corporate-level competition to national-level competition for leadership. Currently, leading companies in this field are competing to increase the number of qubits that determine future quantum computer computing performance, improve error correction technology, and develop commercially viable quantum computing systems. Domestically, Korea is also preparing the Quantum Technology Industry Act and providing policy support to make this year the foundation for quantum computer industrialization.

However, there are still several practical difficulties in the 「popularization」 of quantum computers. Kim Dong-ho CQO pointed out, 「Currently, quantum computers are not suitable for companies to purchase and operate on their own due to massive construction costs approaching 100 billion won, high operating costs, and accuracy issues.」 He presented 「Quantum as a Service (QaaS),」 a cloud-based quantum computer usage model, as a way to overcome this situation.

Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「Through QaaS, more companies can easily access quantum computing, expand the market, and ultimately secure the future cloud market.」 He continued, 「Megazone Cloud views now as the 'golden time' for quantum cloud. Companies that find it difficult to make direct investments have no choice but to utilize quantum resources through the cloud. I believe this is an important time to create a domestic quantum cloud ecosystem and secure industrial competitiveness.」

Korea Market Opportunities, Focus on 'Algorithms and Platforms'

Megazone Cloud judges that 「the next market for cloud will be a future-oriented cloud that includes QPU (Quantum Processing Unit) beyond traditional CPU and GPU」 and is taking full-scale action. In particular, it expects significant opportunities in finance, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, logistics, manufacturing, AI, and high-speed simulation sectors.

Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「Through initial joint projects with companies like PharmCADD, we are verifying the practical demand for quantum technology and its technological ripple effects in the relevant industries」 and 「We are providing specialized consulting services and PoC (Proof of Concept) to major domestic companies and laying the groundwork for quantum computing adoption.」

He emphasized software, algorithm competitiveness, and service-based platforms as areas where Korea should focus. Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「I believe the Korean quantum ecosystem should develop software, algorithm competitiveness, and service-based platforms together rather than focusing only on specific hardware technology」 and 「In particular, it would be desirable to focus on developing quantum algorithms and applications that can create high added value in the future quantum era.」

On the hardware side, he presented approaches through government-led medium to long-term development and global partnerships for accessibility. Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「Since hardware development requires massive capital and time, it is important to secure accessibility through global partnerships and strengthen algorithm capabilities so that domestic companies can solve problems on their own」 and 「Hardware development requires government-led medium to long-term efforts, and it would be an effective strategy to combine catch-up strategies as a latecomer with strategic investments for discovering and nurturing institutions and companies with technological advantages.」

Megazone Cloud's M-Qloud, Playing the Role of 'Orchestrator' for Various Quantum Technologies

Megazone Cloud's strategy is to focus on 'platforms' for quantum computing technology. Megazone Cloud's 'M-Qloud' platform provides integrated services of major global quantum platform services such as AWS's Braket and Microsoft's Azure Quantum. Additionally, in cooperation with QubiStack, a spinoff from Seoul National University, it is also commercializing a 42-qubit-class emulator. The plan is to help companies test quantum algorithms and verify technology in a more affordable and secure environment.

Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「The core model of Megazone Cloud's quantum computing business is the 'orchestrator of quantum computing technology'.」 The core is to integrate and provide various global quantum computing resources in a single cloud service. Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「Through the M-Qloud platform, customers can freely choose and utilize quantum resources most suitable for solving their problems without being dependent on specific vendors or technologies.」

This 'M-Qloud' consists of three axes: existing cooperation with AWS, multi-backend integration, and cooperation with various quantum technology companies. Among these, cooperation with AWS is the foundation for providing various quantum computing technologies by supplying the 'Amazon Braket' service domestically. It also cooperates with various companies with technology in specific quantum computing fields such as Terra Quantum and Classiq to provide cost-effective quantum business solutions to companies.

The integrated strategy of quantum computing platforms extends to technology integration strategies across the entire cloud platform. Kim Dong-ho CQO presented, 「The future computing environment will evolve into a hybrid form. A structure that combines existing HPC (high-performance computing) and QPU and utilizes appropriate resources according to problem characteristics will become the standard.」 He also said, 「Megazone Cloud is developing an AI-based intelligent management platform to support a cloud environment where CPU-GPU-QPU collaborate organically.」

Completing Megazone Cloud's multi-platform integration strategy is 「ecosystem integration.」 Kim Dong-ho CQO said, 「Megazone Cloud aims to play the role of a hub in the quantum ecosystem beyond being a simple technology provider」 and 「We are expanding cooperation with not only global companies but also domestic research institutions and startups.」 He continued, 「The long-term goal is to establish ourselves as a leading quantum cloud service provider in Asia」 and 「We want to provide optimal technology, services, and collaborative ecosystems so that corporate customers can seize the 'quantum revolution' as an opportunity to transcend limitations and create new value.」

Article Source: IT Chosun