Mitacs and Korea’s QCenter launch new collaboration to advance quantum technologies and innovation

January 7, 2026

Vancouver, Canada – Mitacs, a national innovation connector that supports business-academic research collaboration, and Korea’s Quantum Information Research Support Center (QCenter), an organization supporting research activities in the domestic quantum information science field, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish collaboration in quantum research and talent development.

The agreement, signed by Dr. Stephen Lucas, Chief Executive Officer of Mitacs, and Prof. Yonuk Chong, Director of QCenter, signals the organizations’ shared commitment to innovation in quantum, while strengthening international research collaboration between Canada and Korea.

Under this LOI, over a two-year period, Mitacs and QCenter will:

• Promote joint research collaboration and workforce development in quantum information science.
• Enhance the mobility of students and researchers between Canada and Korea through funding programs and processes.
• Support joint partnerships with academic institutions to advance the countries’ respective national quantum strategies.
• Strengthen global innovation networks and encourage future collaborations in quantum technologies at Canadian and Korean postsecondary institutions.

This partnership advances Canada’s National Quantum Strategy — focused on research, talent, and commercialization — while uniting efforts to drive quantum innovation. The Canadian federal budget commits Cad$334.3 million over five years to accelerate the adoption of these technologies across sectors, with a particular focus on defence.

The LOI between Mitacs and QCenter recognizes the pivotal role of science, technology and innovation in fostering economic growth and resilience while building a quantum-ready workforce.

Quotes

“Canada’s leadership in quantum technologies depends on advancing both talent and innovation. By strengthening partnerships with countries like Korea, we can speed the path from research to commercialization and develop a highly skilled workforce — driving growth and global competitiveness for the Canadian economy.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Korea entered the quantum technology field only recently, but it is developing rapidly leveraging the nation’s advanced tech-industry ecosystem and strong manufacturing infrastructure. We know that the key of innovation is the person who makes it possible. By the partnership with Canada, we will strengthen our talent together and secure both countries’ global quantum leadership.”

Prof. Yonuk Chong, Director, QCenter

About Mitacs

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.

This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About QCenter

QCenter was established in 2020 as a flagship government initiative to build Korea’s quantum ecosystem. Hosted by Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), QCenter serves as a key liaison connecting the public and private sectors, bridging academia and industry, and fostering collaboration among research scientists across diverse fields.

One of QCenter’s main missions is to educate and train the quantum workforce to strengthen the nation’s capabilities in this field. We offer a wide range of programs, including student and postdoctoral exchange programs, quantum lectures for high school students, quantum summer/winter schools, and quantum computing training for research scientists and engineers.

We are open to all forms of international collaboration in workforce education and training. When needed, QCenter is prepared to quickly and effectively develop and launch new programs.

QCenter is a fully government-funded program through the National Research Foundation(NRF).

Media Contact

Caroline Dobuzinskis, Manager, Communications & Public Affairs,
Mitacs
Email: [email protected]

Sienna Kim, Research Staff,
QCenter
Email: [email protected]