IBM Watsonx Partners with Korea Quantum Computing in Deal

IBM and Korea Quantum Computing (KQC) have joined forces to bring IBM’s AI software, infrastructure, and quantum computing services to KQC’s ecosystem of users. This collaboration aims to drive innovation across various Korean industries by providing access to IBM’s full stack solution for AI, including the powerful watsonx platform.

As part of the expanded partnership, KQC will continue to offer access to IBM’s global fleet of utility-scale quantum systems over the cloud. Additionally, by 2028, an IBM Quantum System Two will be deployed on-site at KQC in Busan, South Korea. This move solidifies KQC’s position as an IBM Quantum Innovation Center and enables its members to harness the combined power of AI and quantum computing to tackle complex industry challenges.

Darío Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “With this engagement, KQC clients will have the ability to train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced AI models using IBM watsonx and advanced AI infrastructure. By having access to IBM quantum systems, KQC members can leverage the potential of AI and quantum to develop applications.”

To support the development and deployment of generative AI, this collaboration includes an investment in infrastructure. The plans involve incorporating advanced GPUs and IBM’s Artificial Intelligence Unit (AIU), managed with Red Hat OpenShift, to create a cloud-native environment. This combination of GPU system and AIU is designed to provide KQC members with state-of-the-art hardware for their AI research and business opportunities.

In addition to the hardware infrastructure, KQC’s clients will also gain access to Red Hat OpenShift AI for management and runtime needs, as well as IBM’s watsonx platform for generative AI capabilities. These tools will empower KQC members to explore the next wave of computing technology and drive innovation in their respective industries.

KQC is not only collaborating with IBM but also working with other Korean organizations to contribute to the country’s quantum computing ecosystem. Dr. Joon Young Kim, CEO of KQC, highlighted their partnerships with leading domestic companies in the financial, bio-healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. Dankook University Hospital, Hanlim Pharmaceutical Co., and DNEURO are among the organizations actively involved in quantum research and development with KQC.

Overall, this collaboration between IBM and KQC signifies a significant step towards advancing AI and quantum computing capabilities in South Korea. By combining the expertise and resources of both entities, they aim to empower Korean industries to tackle their toughest challenges and drive innovation in the digital era.

(Source)

Background Information

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About IBM: IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation, is a globally American multinational technology company with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1911. Over the decades, IBM has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the field of information technology. The company is known for its pioneering work in computer hardware, software, and services, with breakthroughs like the IBM System/360 and the invention of the relational database.

Technology Explained

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GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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Quantum Computing: Quantum computing is a type of advanced computing that takes advantage of the strange behaviors of very small particles. It's like having a supercharged computer that can solve incredibly complex problems much faster than regular computers. It does this by using special "bits" that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, which allows it to process information in a very unique way. This technology has the potential to make a big impact in areas like data security and solving really tough scientific challenges, but there are still some technical hurdles to overcome before it becomes widely useful.