A new quantum computing facility in Seoul is demonstrating that quantum machines don't have to stay in research labs. South Korea's SDT Inc. opened Korea's first commercial quantum-AI hybrid data center in the Gangnam district on February 4, 2026, combining a 20-qubit superconducting quantum computer called Kreo with NVIDIA DGX B200 systems to solve practical business problems. The facility represents a shift in how quantum computing is being deployed. Rather than treating quantum and classical computers as separate tools, SDT integrated them into a single system where each type of processor handles what it does best. This hybrid approach could be the key to making quantum computing useful before the technology reaches its full potential. Why Does Quantum-Classical Hybrid Computing Matter? Traditional quantum computers excel at exploring many possible solutions simultaneously, but they struggle with the practical details of real-world problems. Classical computers like GPUs are excellent at handling large amounts of data and performing optimization tasks, but they can't leverage quantum's unique advantages. By connecting them tightly, SDT created a system where quantum processors handle the quantum-specific work while GPUs manage data preprocessing, optimization loops, and result analysis. "Until now, quantum computing has largely remained within the realm of academic research in Korea," said Jiwon Yune, CEO of SDT. "Starting today, we are redefining quantum as a practical business tool for immediate value creation. By operating this system in Gangnam, the business heart of Korea, we are demonstrating that quantum computing is no longer a distant concept, but a tangible solution ready to engage with real industrial challenges". The integration uses NVIDIA's NVQLink platform, which creates a low-latency connection between the quantum processor and GPU systems. This tight coupling is crucial because quantum operations are extremely sensitive to delays. If classical computers can't respond quickly enough to quantum results, the quantum advantage disappears. What Problems Can This System Actually Solve? SDT's facility targets three specific industrial applications where quantum-classical hybrid computing shows promise. These include: - Chemistry Simulation: Quantum computers can model molecular behavior more efficiently than classical computers, accelerating drug discovery and materials research - Portfolio Optimization: Financial institutions can use quantum algorithms to analyze investment combinations and risk scenarios faster than traditional methods - Logistics and Scheduling: Companies can optimize complex supply chains and scheduling problems that grow exponentially harder as variables increase The facility makes these capabilities accessible through QuREKA, SDT's cloud platform, which allows developers to orchestrate entire workflows without managing the underlying quantum and classical infrastructure themselves. How to Access Quantum-AI Computing for Your Organization - Cloud-Based Access: Businesses can use QuREKA to run quantum-classical workflows through the cloud without purchasing expensive hardware, paying only for the computing resources they use - Integrated Development Environment: Developers can write code that automatically dispatches tasks to either quantum or classical processors based on what each system does best, simplifying the development process - Minimal Infrastructure Changes: Companies can integrate quantum-AI workflows into existing enterprise systems with minimal latency and regulatory friction, making adoption practical for businesses already running GPU-based infrastructure The opening ceremony in February included executives from NVIDIA, Microsoft Korea, and LG Electronics, signaling strong industry backing for the facility. The event also featured government representatives, including National Assembly Member Jin-wook Jung and Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, who expressed support for Korea's quantum ecosystem development. This commercial deployment of quantum-classical hybrid computing establishes a new benchmark for how quantum advantage might actually be achieved in industrial settings. Rather than waiting for quantum computers to become powerful enough to solve problems entirely on their own, organizations can start using quantum processors today alongside classical systems to tackle specific bottlenecks. The facility also showcases SDT's full-stack approach to quantum computing, encompassing hardware design, fabrication, system integration, and operating software. This vertical integration allows SDT to optimize every layer of the system for hybrid performance, rather than relying on separate vendors for quantum and classical components. "Useful quantum applications will work in unison with state of the art accelerated computing," explained Sam Stanwyck, Director of Quantum Product at NVIDIA. "SDT's use of NVIDIA NVQLink to deploy quantum hardware in a commercial data center is a step to a future where quantum-GPU supercomputers drive progress across industries". The Seoul facility demonstrates that quantum computing's near-term value may not come from quantum computers replacing classical systems, but from quantum and classical processors working together in tightly integrated environments. As quantum hardware continues to improve, this hybrid approach provides a practical path for businesses to start capturing quantum advantage today, rather than waiting for a distant future when quantum computers might work alone.
