Insider Brief
- Chulalongkorn University and South Korea’s Qunova Computing signed a three-year MoU to collaborate on quantum computing research and practical applications.
- The agreement covers joint seminars and conferences, exchanges of researchers and personnel, and joint research projects in quantum computing and related fields.
- Siam Quantum Square will coordinate the collaboration at Chulalongkorn, with the partnership also involving researchers from Qunova Computing and KAIST.
PRESS RELEASE — Chulalongkorn University has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qunova Computing Inc. of the Republic of Korea to establish collaboration in quantum computing research and its practical applications.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Dr. Jaewan Kim, Chief Product Officer of Qunova Computing, who was appointed to represent Dr. June-Koo Kevin Rhee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qunova Computing, at the signing ceremony, which was held on September 7, 2026, at Room 105, Maha Chulalongkorn Building.
The MoU between Chulalongkorn University and Qunova Computing Inc. has three main objectives: organizing joint seminars and academic conferences; facilitating exchanges of scientists, researchers, and personnel; and conducting joint research projects in quantum computing and related fields. At Chulalongkorn University, the Siam Quantum Square (SQ²), launched in January 2026, serves as the primary coordinating center.
Thailand has adopted a cloud-first approach to developing quantum computing, meaning that researchers will access quantum hardware through cloud platforms rather than building quantum computers domestically. The Siam Quantum Square serves as the academic hub of this strategy and works with a number of partners, including IBM Thailand, the Quantum Technology Foundation (Thailand), Western Digital, Siam Commercial Bank, and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
The President of Chulalongkorn University said: “Quantum technology today is no longer simply a matter for the education sector or about learning how to use the technology. It is now about building the technology itself as a foundation for national development. The Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University, through its Department of Physics and in collaboration with several organizations, has established a center for quantum technology development. This collaboration with South Korea will help elevate it into an International Quantum Square, emphasizing our role in jointly developing people and technology, including developing our own quantum chips.
“This collaboration marks Thailand’s first Thai Quantum Partnership, with a focus on developing capabilities in AI and quantum technology simultaneously in order to drive the future forward.”
For Dr. Jaewan Kim, Chief Product Officer of Qunova Computing, “The interdisciplinary strengths of Chulalongkorn University and Qunova Computing are exceptionally well aligned. Qunova Computing has many years of industrial and commercial experience in quantum technology, which is something that is rare in today’s market. At the same time, Chulalongkorn University and the Quantum Square project have strong teams of highly capable researchers with outstanding research experience.
“Both sides aim to work together to build the quantum industry and establish a quantum research center in the region, with the goal of advancing quantum technology, enabling it to grow, and ultimately maximizing its benefits to humanity.”
Prior to the signing ceremony, a workshop was held in the morning. Researchers from Qunova Computing and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) presented their work to students and faculty members of Chulalongkorn University.
Subsequently, a panel discussion was held on the topic “Thailand–Korea Collaborations on Quantum Technology: From Academia to Use Cases.” The discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Salinporn Kittiwatanakul of the Siam Quantum Square, Chulalongkorn University.
The panelists included:
- Prof. Dr. Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
- Prof. Dr. Eunseong Kim, Dean of the School of Quantum Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
- Dr. Jaewan Kim, Chief Product Officer, Qunova Computing Inc.
- Dr. Kamonluk Suksen, Siam Quantum Square (SQ²), Chulalongkorn University
- Dr. Tutanon Sinthuprasith, Head of Research and Development, SCB X Public Company Limited
