Advancing Quantum Computing with Pasqal and KAIST

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is South Korea’s premier research-oriented institution specializing in science, engineering, and technology. KAIST has established itself as a leader in innovation, driving advancements in fields such as quantum computing, semiconductors, and applied physics. With its mission to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications, KAIST has become a hub for groundbreaking research. One of KAIST’s prominent contributors to quantum computing research is Professor Jaewook Ahn, whose work in atomic physics and quantum technology has advanced the understanding and application of neutral atom quantum computing.

Pioneering Research in Quantum Computing

Professor Ahn’s journey into quantum computing began in 2014 when he secured funding from the Samsung Science and Technology Foundation for a decade-long research project. The project focused on developing atom rearrangement methods to create scalable quantum systems using neutral atoms. By leveraging specialized laser technologies, Professor Ahn’s team introduced dynamic atom rearrangement—a technique that enables reconfigurable quantum architectures, offering unique advantages over static qubit systems.

The culmination of this research solidified KAIST’s reputation as a leading player in quantum technology. “This decade of work transformed what was once a nascent idea into what I believe is now one of the most promising platforms for quantum computing,” noted Professor Ahn. His team’s innovations have not only advanced the field of neutral atom quantum systems but also laid the foundation for collaborative projects with industry leaders like Pasqal.

A Collaborative Partnership with Pasqal

The partnership between KAIST and Pasqal began in 2023, following an invitation from Loïc Henriet, Pasqal’s Co-CEO, to collaborate on cutting-edge quantum experiments. Recognizing KAIST’s expertise in three-dimensional atom array platforms, Pasqal sought to leverage their unique capabilities to address complex quantum challenges.

This collaboration was built on complementary strengths: Pasqal’s pioneering neutral atom processors and KAIST’s dynamic qubit architectures. Together, they worked on experiments involving atom arrangements and programming quantum algorithms for problems like integer factoring—a symbolic milestone for quantum computing. These projects resulted in two formal publications, demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of their joint research.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Professor Ahn said, “Pasqal approached us with a clear vision, and their support—both technically and through research grants—enabled us to pursue groundbreaking experiments. Our work together has not only pushed the boundaries of quantum research but also fostered an exchange of ideas that benefits both academia and industry.”

Innovations in Dynamic Qubit Architectures

Lately, KAIST focuses on dynamic qubit architectures, setting it apart from traditional quantum computing research. While most platforms rely on static arrays, KAIST’s approach involves rearranging atoms during computations, a technique that promises greater flexibility and efficiency. This methodology, while still in its infancy, has the potential to revolutionize how quantum computers are designed and operated.

The collaboration with Pasqal has allowed KAIST to test these concepts on Pasqal’s hardware, exploring applications that range from algorithm development to complex simulations. Unlike other platforms, dynamic architectures are uniquely suited to neutral atom systems, offering capabilities that could outperform static architectures in scalability and precision.

A Unified Vision for Quantum Advancement

As the partnership evolves, KAIST and Pasqal are poised to deepen their collaboration. With Pasqal’s expansion into South Korea through Pasqal Korea—staffed by former KAIST students—the synergy between the two organizations is stronger than ever. This local presence enables tighter integration, fostering innovation that bridges academia and industry.

Professor Ahn envisions the next phase of collaboration focusing on real-world applications and further advancing dynamic qubit research. “Our goal is to continue developing scalable solutions while exploring how these technologies can address global challenges, from optimization problems to climate modeling,” he explained.

The KAIST-Pasqal partnership exemplifies the power of collaborative research in driving quantum innovation. Together, they are not only shaping the future of quantum computing but also inspiring a new generation of researchers and technologists to push the boundaries of what is possible.