Six Incheon-based companies will gain free access to Yonsei University's IBM 127-qubit quantum computer.
The Incheon Metropolitan Government, in partnership with Yonsei University, will begin recruiting participants for the "2026 Incheon Quantum Computing Utilization Support Program" on Nov. 27. Quantum computing is a technology that can complete calculations in minutes that would take supercomputers years. However, with equipment installation costs running into tens of billions of won, the technology has remained largely the preserve of global conglomerates.
The program focuses on expanding technology access for small and medium-sized enterprises. Selected companies will each receive 350 to 550 minutes of QPU runtime. Businesses can use this time to design their own algorithms and conduct technology verification.
Potential applications are wide-ranging. Typical use cases include drug candidate discovery, delivery route optimization, and new battery material development. Quantum computing shines in complex problems that require processing thousands of variables simultaneously.
Companies headquartered in Incheon are eligible to apply. Firms planning to relocate to or establish operations in Incheon within three months of the announcement date may also apply. Applications will be accepted via email until May 15, with selection results announced on May 27 following document review.
"We hope quantum computing will serve as a stepping stone to boost the global competitiveness of Incheon companies," said Kim Jin-hwan, head of the city's AI Innovation Division.
