Expanding George Mason’s presence in South Korea's emerging quantum ecosystem

As South Korea accelerates its national investment in quantum science and technology, George Mason University's Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) is strengthening its engagement with the country's leading research institutions and regional innovation partners.

In July 2026, Pilgyu Kang, QSEC's deputy director and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, traveled to Mason Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding between QSEC and two of Korea's leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI).

"This memorandum represents much more than a formal agreement-it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that connects researchers, students, and industry across the United States and South Korea," said Kang. "By working together, we can accelerate quantum research, expand educational opportunities, and prepare a globally connected workforce capable of addressing the scientific and technological challenges of the future."

The Future Quantum Convergence Forum serves as a hub connecting Korea's quantum and artificial intelligence (AI) industry, academia, research institutions, and local governments, with the Quantum-AI Convergence Institute (QCI) operating as its secretariat. For QCI, the MOU with George Mason marks a starting point for advancing collaboration with Korea's industry, academia, research community, and local governments.

Partnering with QSEC-a research center spanning physics, engineering, and computer science-is expected to provide QCI with new opportunities to build a global research network and exchange expertise in workforce development. Going forward, the two institutions plan to create opportunities for academic and research exchange through workshops and seminars, and to explore ways for George Mason and Korean companies to expand into each other's markets.

While in Korea, Kang also visited the Quantum Computing Project Group at Yonsei University in Songdo, which operates Korea's first 127-qubit IBM Quantum System One-the second university-based, on-premises IBM Quantum System One in the world. The visit served as an important platform for QSEC, Yonsei University, and Mason Korea to discuss future collaboration in quantum research, education, workforce development, and long-term academic partnerships.

South Korea continues to expand its national quantum strategy through large-scale government investment. Korea's Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently reviewing proposals for a nationwide quantum cluster initiative expected to invest approximately KRW 100 billion ($70 million USD) in regional quantum innovation ecosystems.

"This partnership is an exciting step forward for QSEC and George Mason," said Patrick Vora, QSEC director. "By growing our relationship with our Korean partners, we will create new opportunities for scientific advancement, technological innovation, and quantum education."

A final designation of participating regions is expected in the coming weeks, and discussions around Mason Korea and QSEC's potential role remain ongoing. To support these efforts, Mason Korea's Industry-University Collaboration Foundation (IUCF) facilitated discussions between QSEC and key stakeholders in Korea's quantum community.

Building on its longstanding partnership with Yonsei University, Mason Korea also helped identify opportunities for future international collaboration involving research, education, and innovation.

The partnership was facilitated by Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and originated when QCI visited Fairfax County for the 2025 Quantum World Congress. A key connector in building international partnerships, FCEDA will continue to support both parties in deepening their collaboration and identifying new opportunities to strengthen ties between Korea and George Mason.

"Mason Korea exists to make George Mason a genuinely global university, not just one with a campus abroad," said Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park. "Helping QSEC establish real footing in Korea's quantum ecosystem-and bringing other partner institutions along in the process-is precisely that mission in action."

Explore Mason Korea

Latest Stories