Seoul has signed an MoU with Swiss firm SEALSQ to establish a post-quantum semiconductor R&D centre. The city aims to become a global hub for post-quantum semiconductor and IoT through the agreement.

The new centre will develop and embed quantum-resistant cryptographic keys and identities onto semiconductor chips. This will ensure semiconductors and IoT devices are secured against future quantum-enabled cyberattacks.

With the rise of cyberattacks on low-level and embedded systems, this is likely to become a key future technology. The City of Seoul believes that establishing a centre embedding post-quantum keys and identities onto semiconductors will draw in a broader share of embedded and IoT manufacturing.

The centre will focus on the research and design of RISC-V chip architectures integrated with post-quantum cryptography. It will personalise and test post-quantum cryptographic chips at scale for IOT applications. It will also integrate quantum-resistant encryption modules into satellite systems to enhance secure space communications.

Such activity should create a regional hub for semiconductor and space research and development, strengthening South Korea’s leadership in both industries.

The project plans to build on RISC-V–based chip architectures with embedded post-quantum cryptography. These will be fully compliant with Common Criteria and NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) guidelines.

South Korea already controls nearly 17% of the worldwide semiconductor market. The country is a global leader in memory chip production. The government has committed $136 million for quantum R&D in 2025, positioning the country as an early adopter of quantum-secure communications and encryption technologies.

The global PQC market is projected to grow from $1.1 billion in 2024 to between $4–9 billion by 2030–2033, representing a CAGR of 37–45%. The Asia-Pacific region is among the fastest-growing markets, with South Korea leading as a testbed for quantum key distribution (QKD), PQC pilots, and secure communications infrastructure.

“South Korea has long been a semiconductor powerhouse,” said SEALSQ’s Director David Fergusson. “Today, the country’s economy runs on semiconductors, which are embedded in every industry, from automotive to telecom to healthcare. Yet, without secure next-generation chips, it will be impossible to sustain the growth of this integrated digital society. By hosting SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Semiconductor Centre in Seoul, the nation is not only strengthening its dominance in chips but also positioning itself as a first mover in post-quantum security, a field that will define global competitiveness in the coming decade. This initiative ensures Korea’s future remains both innovative and secure.”

“Today, Seoul joins hands with SEALSQ, the world’s leading quantum security technology company, to shape the future together,” said Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Metropolitan Government. “The South Korean government has recently announced plans to pilot applications of quantum security technology in core national infrastructure, including administration, communications, defence, and healthcare. Partnering with SEALSQ on this Post-Quantum Semiconductor Personalisation, Research and Design Centre reinforces our ambition to lead not only in semiconductors but also in cybersecurity and space innovation. This initiative will help secure our digital future and create high-value opportunities for our economy.”