Korea Must Focus on Quantum Software, Says IBM Director Baek Han-hee

IBM's Quantum Director Sees Industrial Boom from 2029

Baek Han-hee, director of IBM's Global Quantum Algorithm Centers, believes that industrial adoption of quantum computing will rapidly spread starting in 2029. This is a more aggressive timeline than the market consensus, which suggests broad industrial use is about a decade away.

According to Baek, once fault-tolerant quantum computers are available, competition will shift beyond hardware development toward using software and algorithms to solve real problems in industries such as biotech, finance, and batteries. Korea, a latecomer in quantum computing, should focus on software and algorithms, Baek advised.

Baek has been leading IBM's Quantum Algorithm Center since March last year, overseeing work to identify quantum algorithms and industrial use cases through partnerships with universities, research institutions, and companies worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of concentrating investment in quantum software and algorithms, which are still nascent globally, while pairing that with long-term government investment in education and research.