Swiss-Korean Bilateral Ties in Quantum
In celebration of the United Nations-proclaimed International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Switzerland and Korea marked a significant milestone in their scientific cooperation by launching a joint call for projects on quantum science and ethics launched in January 2025. This initiative stands as a concrete example of bilateral cooperation in quantum between the two countries. The joint call, launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), received 25 project proposals, with 10 to be selected for funding. It reflects not only the scientific strength of both countries but also their shared commitment to responsible innovation, ensuring that ethical, societal, and philosophical considerations accompany technical progress.
Collaborative efforts between the Swiss and Korean quantum ecosystems span beyond technology—ranging from joint research on quantum algorithms to discussions on regulatory frameworks and science diplomacy. This growing network of cooperation reflects the increasing alignment in values and vision between the two countries in the emerging quantum era.

Quantum Korea and Swiss Presence
Quantum Korea is South Korea’s premier international platform dedicated to quantum science and technology. Held annually, it brings together leading researchers, policymakers, and industry actors to accelerate the transition from foundational research to real-world industrial applications.
With the theme “100 Years of Quantum, Awakening Industry”, Quantum Korea 2025 took place from 24 to 26 June in Seoul. Organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, the event is part of Korea’s broader ambition to position itself as a leader in quantum industrialization. Over three days, the program featured academic sessions, industry panels, international exhibitions and cross-border collaboration showcases. Under One Team Switzerland, the Science and Technology Office and Swiss Business Hub Korea organized with the support of Presence Switzerland a booth showcasing Swiss Quantum ecosystem and in high-level policy roundtables and business networking sessions.

Waiting for Quantum Korea
As an official initiative of Quantum Korea 2025, the Science & Technology Office Seoul and the Swiss Business Hub Korea hosted “Waiting for Quantum Korea” on the eve of the main conference, at the Swiss Embassy in Seoul. This pre-event brought together Swiss and Korean actors in quantum research, business, and ethics. Swiss experts belonged to organizations such as ETH Zurich, University of Basel, GESDA, Quantum Basel, Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare, ESDI, Zurich Instruments and Miraex. The event was also the occasion to promote the upcoming Swiss Quantum Week and Swissnex Quantum Summit next October with our colleague Brendan Karch from Swissnex in Boston.
From a high-level panel on global quantum frontiers to applications in space technology, social impact, and quantum connectivity, the event explored the vast landscape of opportunities in the quantum field. The evening served as a celebration of the shared ambition of both countries to shape the global quantum future together—based on openness, excellence, and ethical foresight.

Secretary of State Martina Hirayama on Scientific Mission to South Korea
From 22 to 25 June, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama led a Swiss sciencedelegation to Seoul. The mission aimed to strengthen scientific cooperation between Switzerland and South Korea.
Her program included a bilateral meeting with Vice Minister Chang Yune Lee of the Ministry of Science and ICT, as well as visits to leading Korean universities and research institutes. Discussions covered quantum science, AI, high-performance computing, and the life sciences. She also met with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) to explore further collaboration, particularly in the fields of AI chips and big data infrastructure.
This visit builds on the joint declaration on science and innovation, signed in 2023 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Korea. Signed by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and then-Minister Jong Ho Lee, the declaration laid the foundation for deeper bilateral engagement in education, research, and innovation. Secretary Hirayama’s visit reflects the commitment to implement this vision across institutions and disciplines.

Expanding Horizons in Swiss–Korean Cooperation
Switzerland and South Korea share more than just scientific interests—they share values rooted in openness, responsibility, and long-term vision. As both countries deepen their collaboration in quantum science, this partnership shows a model for how like-minded nations can jointly shape the societal and ethical dimensions of cutting-edge technologies.
Looking ahead, the Swiss–Korean scientific relationship shows signs of evolving beyond research funding and policy dialogue. It is expected to expand into real-world deployment, talent exchange, and joint responses to global challenges, powered by shared trust and a commitment to excellence.
In the quantum age, Switzerland and South Korea are not just partners—they are co-creators of a responsible and inclusive scientific future.