UNIST has officially opened the UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB, a national research facility designed to accelerate quantum device development and strengthen South Korea’s competitiveness in quantum technologies.
The new infrastructure provides an integrated environment where researchers can design, fabricate, analyze, and validate quantum devices within a single facility, enabling the full lifecycle of quantum device research—from initial concept to experimental demonstration.
Supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), the facility represents a KRW 30 billion national investment in next-generation quantum research infrastructure.
Furthermore, the facility integrates advanced nanofabrication equipment and analytical systems specifically optimized for quantum materials and devices. By bringing these capabilities together in one place, UNIST aims to provide researchers with a streamlined end-to-end research environment that supports rapid experimentation and collaboration.
Approximately 80 distinguished guests attended the event, including President Jinbae Hong of IITP and Vice Mayor Hyo-Dae Ahn for Economic Affairs of Ulsan Metropolitan City.
The UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB expands upon the university’s long-standing open-access nano-fab infrastructure, which has been operated for more than 18 years. The existing platform supports collaborative research for over 60 universities, research institutes, and companies across Korea, handling approximately 33,000 fabrication processes each year and serving approximately 800 trained users annually.
Supported by world-class analytical facilities and a team of more than 30 technical specialists, the platform has become a key hub for shared semiconductor and nanotechnology research in Korea. The addition of process equipment optimized for quantum device fabrication and dedicated support systems now extends these capabilities into the rapidly emerging field of quantum devices.
President Jinbae Hong of IITP delivered a congratulatory remark at the opening ceremony of UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB on March 13, 2026.
The launch of this facility also aligns with a broader regional vision to expand Ulsan’s role in advanced technology industries. Known historically for its leadership in automotive, shipbuilding, and petrochemical manufacturing, Ulsan has been working to diversify into future technology sectors. Through initiatives such as the establishment of a Graduate School of Semiconductors Materials and Devices Engineering and the expansion of nanofabrication infrastructure, UNIST is helping position the region as a next-generation innovation hub linking quantum technology and semiconductor industries.
UNIST outlined three guiding principles for operating the new facility: △ One-Stop—enabling researchers to carry out design, fabrication, and analysis within a single integrated facility. △ Open Access—providing shared research infrastructure available to universities, research institutes, and industry partners nationwide. △ Vision—supporting the long-term transition of Ulsan’s industrial base toward advanced technologies, such as quantum computing and semiconductors.
President Chong Rae Park described the initiative as an important milestone for the nation’s quantum research ecosystem. “This KRW 30 billion investment represents more than the construction of a new facility—it marks a significant step toward strengthening Korea’s capabilities in quantum technologies,” said President Park. “We aim to develop the UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB into a core platform for a growing quantum ecosystem beginning here in Ulsan, where research breakthroughs can translate into technological advancement and industrial innovation.”
President Chong Rae Park delivered a welcome remark at the opening ceremony of UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB on March 13, 2026.
Professor Il-Sug Chung (Department of Physics, UNIST), who led the open-access quantum infra development initiative, emphasized the importance of open-access and collaboration. “The UNIST Quantum Nano-Fab is designed as an open-access facility where researchers can freely utilize advanced fabrication and analysis equipment,” said Professor Chung. “We expect it to serve as a collaborative hub connecting academia, industry, and research institutes while advancing quantum device development in Korea.”
The opening ceremony was accompanied by the UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB Inaugural Symposium, where leading researchers discussed emerging directions in quantum technologies. Speakers included Dr. Young Ho Lee, Director of the Center for Supercomputing Quantum Computing System at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) and Professor Jehyung Kim from the Department of Physics at UNIST.
Approximately 80 distinguished guests attended the event, including President Jinbae Hong of IITP and Vice Mayor Hyo-Dae Ahn for Economic Affairs of Ulsan Metropolitan City. Participants also toured the fabrication facility, gaining a firsthand look at the equipment and research environment that will support next-generation quantum device development.
The UNIST Quantum-Nano FAB Inaugural Symposium took place on March 13, 2026.
