North Gyeongsang, IonQ and Partners Form Quantum Supply Chain Alliance

North Gyeongsang Province has signed two agreements intended to build a quantum technology supply chain around Gumi’s manufacturing base and Maryland’s research capabilities. The initiative brings together the provincial government, Gumi City, US quantum computing company IonQ and Korean quantum technology company SDT.

Provincial Vice Governor for Economic Affairs Yang Kum-hee signed a four-party memorandum of understanding with Gumi, IonQ and SDT in Maryland on September 23. The province also reached a separate strategic cooperation agreement with the state of Maryland covering the quantum industry.

The four-party framework is designed to connect IonQ and SDT’s quantum technology and commercial capabilities with manufacturers in Gumi. The participants plan to explore cooperation in component testing, packaging and assembly, areas where the city can draw on expertise accumulated in semiconductors, electronics and advanced materials.

IonQ and SDT will seek joint projects with companies and universities in North Gyeongsang Province. The provincial and city governments, meanwhile, plan to help local businesses participate by connecting projects with designated development zones, regional industrial infrastructure and corporate support programs.

The agreement with Maryland broadens the effort beyond the companies directly involved. The two regions aim to link universities, research institutes and supply chain businesses, creating a pathway from research and workforce development to manufacturing and commercialization. The plan pairs Maryland’s research and development base with North Gyeongsang’s production capabilities.

For the Korean province, the agreements are part of a broader strategy to establish advanced manufacturing infrastructure in four sectors. Its “four future industry foundries” initiative assigns robotics to Pohang, semiconductors and quantum technology to Gumi, and pharmaceuticals to Andong. The model calls for local government to participate alongside companies in building production facilities, with policy financing supporting co-investment.

The quantum agreement follows a robotics foundry deal signed earlier in September by North Gyeongsang Province, Pohang City and Neuromeka. Together, the projects show the province moving from conventional business attraction toward direct participation in production infrastructure for emerging industries.

Yang said that turning quantum technology into an industry requires both a manufacturing base and a stable supply chain. She said the province would support local companies seeking entry into the global quantum sector by combining Maryland’s research and technology strengths with North Gyeongsang’s manufacturing capacity.

The alliance gives Gumi an opportunity to extend its established industrial ecosystem into quantum hardware. Its longer-term significance will depend on whether the partners convert the cooperation framework into funded projects, production facilities and commercial orders.