Pranav Hotkar
Seoul, South Korea - July 2, 2026 - South Korean data center operator QAI has partnered with Israeli quantum software company Classiq to launch the country's first locally operated Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) platform, combining domestic data center infrastructure with cloud-based quantum computing to make advanced quantum resources more accessible to enterprises, research institutions, and public-sector organizations.
The multi-year agreement positions QAI's data center infrastructure at the core of the new service, enabling Korean organizations to access quantum computing capabilities through the cloud rather than investing in dedicated quantum hardware. By hosting the platform locally, the companies also aim to address data sovereignty, security, and regulatory requirements that are increasingly important for government agencies and enterprises handling sensitive workloads.
Under the partnership, Classiq will provide its enterprise quantum software platform, which converts high-level application models into optimized programs that can run across multiple quantum hardware architectures. QAI will operate the service under its own brand, managing customer onboarding, cloud operations, and commercial delivery through its domestic digital infrastructure. The companies also plan to collaborate on technical training, customer enablement, and joint market development to accelerate quantum adoption across South Korea.
Unlike conventional cloud services that focus solely on providing access to quantum processors, the platform integrates software development tools with localized infrastructure, allowing users to design, test, and execute quantum applications through a unified cloud environment. The approach is intended to lower barriers for organizations exploring quantum computing in areas such as financial modeling, logistics optimization, materials science, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical research.
For the data center industry, the announcement highlights an emerging opportunity beyond traditional AI infrastructure. While hyperscale facilities have primarily been optimized for GPU-based artificial intelligence workloads, operators are increasingly positioning their campuses to support hybrid computing environments that combine classical high-performance computing, AI accelerators, and cloud-connected quantum resources. Hosting quantum services locally also enables organizations to maintain greater control over data residency while reducing latency for users accessing quantum development platforms.
South Korea has been expanding investments in advanced computing technologies as part of its broader digital competitiveness strategy, and the launch of a domestic QaaS platform represents another step toward building sovereign computing capabilities. Rather than requiring organizations to connect to overseas quantum cloud providers, the localized model offers a secure gateway for developing and testing quantum applications within the country's own digital infrastructure ecosystem.
The partnership also reflects a broader evolution in data center services. As demand grows for next-generation computing platforms, operators are expanding beyond colocation and cloud hosting to deliver specialized services tailored to AI, high-performance computing, and quantum workloads. By integrating Classiq's software with its own infrastructure, QAI is positioning its facilities as the foundation for South Korea's emerging quantum cloud ecosystem, creating a new layer of value for enterprise customers preparing for the next era of advanced computing.
