DAEGU — The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) has launched a strategic business group for quantum sensing and begun developing next-generation ultra-precise quantum sensor technology.
The project aims to secure core quantum sensor technology that sharply surpasses the precision and sensitivity limits of existing sensors, DGIST said on the 19th. It will run from this year through 2030 with 26 billion won ($18 million) in funding.
DGIST will lead the project, with KAIST, UNIST and GIST taking part jointly to combine each institution's strengths in areas such as quantum material properties, light sources and detection, and circuit and system design.
The research group will focus on three core areas: developing core technology for photon-, atom- and superconductor-based quantum sensors; building sensor fabrication processes and platforms to lay the groundwork for commercialization; and establishing a quantum transformation (QX) platform to verify potential industrial applications.
DGIST will provide a testing base covering sensor design, fabrication, packaging and performance verification, drawing on its on-campus six-inch research semiconductor fabrication facility (R&D fab) and an eight-inch commercialization fab (D fab) now under construction.
"We will do our utmost to bridge the gap so that the excellent basic and fundamental research results held by Korea's science and technology institutes can connect to the actual needs of industry, and to secure world-class competitiveness in ultra-precise quantum sensor technology," said Yoo Chun-yeol, head of the DGIST Quantum Sensing Strategic Business Group.