South Korean quantum technology company SDT has secured a ₩10 billion (~$7.5 million) Pre-IPO investment from Shinhan Venture Investment.

SDT, which aims to raise a total of ₩20 billion (~$15 million), has already secured ₩10 billion from lead investor Shinhan Venture Investment and plans to finalize the remaining ₩10 billion from global companies and existing shareholders.

This investment highlights SDT’s technological capabilities and potential, especially as quantum technology moves from the realm of science to practical applications in industry. SDT has successfully commercialized quantum control equipment essential for quantum computer manufacturing (controlling entanglement and superposition) with strong support from the South Korean government. 

The company’s compatibility with various physical platforms, including superconductors, neutral atoms, ion traps, silicon spins, and diamond NV centers, along with its extensive partnerships within the global quantum computing ecosystem and broad intellectual property (IP) portfolio, has positioned SDT as a leading quantum computer manufacturer in South Korea’s quantum industry.

Additionally, SDT plans to launch a Korean quantum computing cloud service later this year in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), which operates the national supercomputing center. The company is also working on the commercialization of full-stack quantum computers and quantum cloud services, including QPU integration with silicon spin and diamond NV center-based quantum systems.

With this investment, SDT aims to establish South Korea’s first commercial quantum computing data center in partnership with local governments. The company will also accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies in industries such as defense, AI, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry. SDT plans to work closely with the Ministry of National Defense to enhance national security technology competitiveness, addressing the gap between South Korea and countries like the U.S. and China, which are investing billions annually in these fields.

Moreover, SDT is intensifying its efforts to develop quantum computers based on leading physical platforms. The company plans to develop a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer by the first half of 2026 and complete the development of a 3D array for a neutral atom quantum computer by the first half of 2025, followed by software and algorithm development by the first half of 2026. SDT also aims to develop a 20-qubit silicon spin quantum computer by the first half of 2027 and reach the stage of solving Gaussian Boson Sampling problems with a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) quantum computer by the first half of 2027.

Jo Jae-ho, Executive Director of Shinhan Venture Investment, stated, “SDT is leading the market as Korea’s only specialized quantum computer startup, with proven expertise in manufacturing quantum computing equipment. We expect SDT to leverage its advanced technology and leadership within the quantum industry ecosystem to realize its potential in both domestic and international markets.”

SDT CEO Yoon Ji-won added, “This investment not only reaffirms SDT’s technological capabilities and market potential but also demonstrates that quantum engineering is no longer confined to science but can create real value across industries. SDT will continue to play a leading role in building Korea’s quantum computing ecosystem while preparing to secure a competitive edge in the global market.”