SEOUL, South Korea, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A Korean quantum delegation led by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is strengthening global collaboration in quantum technologies through a strategic visit to the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York.
Supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and organized by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) under the "Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups (DIPS)" program, the initiative aims to accelerate the global technology commercialization of South Korea's quantum startups.
As the lead institution for this sector, KIST utilized its Global Bridge Program—developed in collaboration with IBM—to facilitate direct technical exchanges between IBM researchers and startup founders. These sessions allowed participants to identify concrete pathways for partnerships and gain insights into the latest quantum trends, laying the groundwork for joint research, proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, and future commercialization.
The IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center is a key hub for IBM Quantum, driving global innovation across quantum hardware, software, algorithms, and cloud-based quantum services. During this visit, the delegation also gained firsthand insight into IBM's quantum computing roadmap and industrial application strategies, while exploring potential areas of collaboration within the global quantum ecosystem.
In particular, Representatives of the Korean quantum startups engaged in a strategic technology exchange session with George Tulevski, Program Director at IBM Research Think Lab, centered on the architecture and operational framework of the "IBM Quantum System Two." Discussions further addressed the evolving global quantum ecosystem, industrial commercialization pathways, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration in quantum technologies.
The delegation consisted of five quantum startups, along with participants from Kyung Hee University's Department of Advanced Business and related ventures, forming a Korean Quantum Delegation led by KIST.
By integrating research institutions, academia, and startups, the delegation represents a comprehensive ecosystem that connects technology development, commercialization, and global expansion.
The participating startups reflected the breadth and diversity of South Korea's growing quantum technology ecosystem. These include QUAD, specializing in superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) technology for quantum communication and defense; OptiQ-Labs, which develops laser-based optical modules to address bottlenecks in ion-trap systems; SLEEX, focused on combining Quantum LiDAR with electric field sensing for underwater navigation; Elixir developing StatUpAI, specializes in quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for data analysis and AI modeling, particularly for medical clinical trials; and SQK (QMEDIC), which develops physics-constrained medical imaging AI solutions for enhanced CT and MRI reconstruction.
SunJoon Kang, Program Director at KIST, stated, "This visit to the IBM Watson Research Center is a pivotal milestone that enables Korean startups to align directly with the frontiers of global innovation. Under the DIPS initiative, we are committed to forging strategic alliances that will accelerate the transition of quantum technology from the lab to the global marketplace."
Meanwhile, this collaboration is expected to continue beyond the facility visit. On May 19, the "IBM Quantum Connect APAC: Seoul" event will be held at Conrad Seoul, bringing together IBM Quantum leaders and technical experts to discuss industrial applications and global collaboration models for quantum computing. Key topics will include IBM's technology roadmap, quantum algorithm applications, and strategies for building global quantum ecosystems.
These continued engagements are expected to further strengthen the connection between South Korean startups and the global quantum ecosystem, enabling future joint research and commercialization opportunities. The KIST Global Bridge Program, in collaboration with IBM, is a catalyst for the global market expansion of South Korea's quantum industry.
To take part in the IBM Quantum Connect APAC: Seoul, visit https://www.ibm.com/events/reg/flow/ibm/0ul5hwmb/landing/page/landing or learn more about KIST at https://kist.re.kr/
About KIST
KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in South Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research.
About Participating Quantum Startups
QUAD, led by Chief Executive Officer Byung Doo Oh, develops quantum sensing technologies based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), offering high sensitivity and precision with applications spanning quantum communication, quantum computing, semiconductor inspection, and defense.
SLEEX led by Chief Executive Officer Je ho Lee, is developing an advanced perception technology that combines quantum LiDAR and electric field sensing to overcome limitations of existing underwater sensors, particularly by eliminating blind zones within the 0–2 meter range, with applications in autonomous navigation, maritime security, and defense. (https://www.thesleex.com)
Elixir, headed by Chief Executive Officer Jeong Kwon Jang, develops a drug discovery and biomarker analysis platform based on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, targeting the precision medicine market through the integration of bioinformatics and quantum machine learning. (statupai.com)
SQK led by Chief Executive Officer Young Je Son, develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints, addressing hallucination issues in conventional AI by ensuring physical consistency in CT and MRI reconstruction. The company is improving diagnostic reliability and reducing the need for re-scans in clinical settings. (www.sqkcloud.com)
OptiQ-Labs, led by Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sung Jae Chung, develops compact and ultra-stable optical systems for ion-trap quantum computers, addressing key bottlenecks in scalability and integration. The company is building quantum hardware components optimized for next-generation quantum computing infrastructure, with applications spanning quantum optics, ion-trap systems, and photonic quantum hardware. (www.optiq-labs.com)
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KIST Connects Korean Quantum Startups with IBM to Accelerate Global Commercialization
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Real Ingredients, Fresh Flavors and Pure Taste: Upgrades Now Cover Hundreds of Stores, with 1,000+ Franchisees Trained
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting in April, Mixue Malaysia is gradually rolling out cold chain-upgraded products while simultaneously carrying out a cold chain training program in West Malaysia. More than ten professional trainers from Mixue's headquarters traveled to Malaysia, providing on-site support. This initiative enables local franchisees to fully upgrade their operations from raw materials handling to in‑store execution, enhancing the beverage experiences for Malaysian consumers.
"We are upgrading our fruit ingredients from room-temperature storage to a full cold chain system. All these efforts are ultimately aimed at delivering a product experience of Real Ingredients, Fresh Flavors and Pure Taste to consumers," said Teh Hwa Chun, Central Region Area Manager of Mixue Malaysia.
To meet growing demand for high-quality beverages at accessible prices, Mixue has launched its 2026 quality upgrade strategy, with Malaysia as a key market. As part of this initiative, cold chain products are being rolled out across West Malaysia, with ingredients flash-frozen at -35°C and delivered via a -18°C cold chain—ensuring freshness from source to store.
The first upgraded products are "Fresh Punched Orange" and "Taro Grape Tea". For the latter, the room‑temperature juice and jam have been replaced with frozen concentrated juice, flash‑frozen at -35°C and delivered via cold chain to lock in freshness from farm to cup.
Meanwhile, the Mixue China headquarters has dispatched a professional training team to deliver specialized cold chain training across West Malaysia following a comprehensive "instruction, hands‑on practice, assessment, and certification" model, ensuring consistent standards in product knowledge, operations, and execution across all stores.
The training program is organized into four groups of two trainers each, covering roughly 18–20 stores and 30–35 participants per session. Trainees include franchisees and store managers (two per single‑store operator) plus 1–2 core representatives per multi‑store operator, with total participation expected to exceed 1,000.
Training follows a centralized model, with early sessions in the central region are held at headquarters, while others take place at local stores. The process includes product explanation, hands‑on practice, a theoretical exam, and certification. Trainees who complete the program receive a qualification certificate, which serves as the standard for replication across their stores.
Mixue Malaysia continues to strengthen its presence in the local market through a long-term, localized, and community-oriented development strategy. As part of this, the brand remains committed to corporate social responsibility by actively participating in various educational and community-based charitable initiatives.
In the education sector, Mixue has supported charity sales and sports events organized by institutions including Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM Changlun), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP Perlis), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM Arau), SMK Sungai Pasir, and Perkata Special School, contributing to campus development and student-led fundraising initiatives.
Beyond schools and universities, Mixue Malaysia also collaborates closely with various welfare organizations and social institutions, including Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (YAATIM), Asrama Anak Yatim Perkaya, Taman Sinar Harapan Jubli, Persatuan Ibu Bapa Kanak-Kanak Cacat Sarawak (PIBAKAT), The Sarawak Cheshire Home, Salvation Army Kuching, Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Society of the Deaf, and Kuching Autistic Association. The brand has also supported community initiatives organized by Masjid Pulau Kijang and Masjid Al-Hasanah.
Furthermore, during the 2025 floods in Northern Malaysia, Mixue Malaysia donated more than 4,000 cups of beverages to affected communities and frontline personnel, demonstrating its commitment to standing together with the community during challenging times.
Moving forward, Mixue Malaysia will continue to deepen its community engagement and expand social initiatives, growing hand in hand with local communities across the nation.
For more information on Mixue Malaysia, please visit http://www.mixuemalaysia.com/.
Real Ingredients, Fresh Flavors and Pure Taste: Upgrades Now Cover Hundreds of Stores, with 1,000+ Franchisees Trained
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting in April, Mixue Malaysia is gradually rolling out cold chain-upgraded products while simultaneously carrying out a cold chain training program in West Malaysia. More than ten professional trainers from Mixue's headquarters traveled to Malaysia, providing on-site support. This initiative enables local franchisees to fully upgrade their operations from raw materials handling to in‑store execution, enhancing the beverage experiences for Malaysian consumers.
"We are upgrading our fruit ingredients from room-temperature storage to a full cold chain system. All these efforts are ultimately aimed at delivering a product experience of Real Ingredients, Fresh Flavors and Pure Taste to consumers," said Teh Hwa Chun, Central Region Area Manager of Mixue Malaysia.
To meet growing demand for high-quality beverages at accessible prices, Mixue has launched its 2026 quality upgrade strategy, with Malaysia as a key market. As part of this initiative, cold chain products are being rolled out across West Malaysia, with ingredients flash-frozen at -35°C and delivered via a -18°C cold chain—ensuring freshness from source to store.
The first upgraded products are "Fresh Punched Orange" and "Taro Grape Tea". For the latter, the room‑temperature juice and jam have been replaced with frozen concentrated juice, flash‑frozen at -35°C and delivered via cold chain to lock in freshness from farm to cup.
Meanwhile, the Mixue China headquarters has dispatched a professional training team to deliver specialized cold chain training across West Malaysia following a comprehensive "instruction, hands‑on practice, assessment, and certification" model, ensuring consistent standards in product knowledge, operations, and execution across all stores.
The training program is organized into four groups of two trainers each, covering roughly 18–20 stores and 30–35 participants per session. Trainees include franchisees and store managers (two per single‑store operator) plus 1–2 core representatives per multi‑store operator, with total participation expected to exceed 1,000.
Training follows a centralized model, with early sessions in the central region are held at headquarters, while others take place at local stores. The process includes product explanation, hands‑on practice, a theoretical exam, and certification. Trainees who complete the program receive a qualification certificate, which serves as the standard for replication across their stores.
Mixue Malaysia continues to strengthen its presence in the local market through a long-term, localized, and community-oriented development strategy. As part of this, the brand remains committed to corporate social responsibility by actively participating in various educational and community-based charitable initiatives.
In the education sector, Mixue has supported charity sales and sports events organized by institutions including Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM Changlun), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP Perlis), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM Arau), SMK Sungai Pasir, and Perkata Special School, contributing to campus development and student-led fundraising initiatives.
Beyond schools and universities, Mixue Malaysia also collaborates closely with various welfare organizations and social institutions, including Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (YAATIM), Asrama Anak Yatim Perkaya, Taman Sinar Harapan Jubli, Persatuan Ibu Bapa Kanak-Kanak Cacat Sarawak (PIBAKAT), The Sarawak Cheshire Home, Salvation Army Kuching, Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Society of the Deaf, and Kuching Autistic Association. The brand has also supported community initiatives organized by Masjid Pulau Kijang and Masjid Al-Hasanah.
Furthermore, during the 2025 floods in Northern Malaysia, Mixue Malaysia donated more than 4,000 cups of beverages to affected communities and frontline personnel, demonstrating its commitment to standing together with the community during challenging times.
Moving forward, Mixue Malaysia will continue to deepen its community engagement and expand social initiatives, growing hand in hand with local communities across the nation.
For more information on Mixue Malaysia, please visit http://www.mixuemalaysia.com/.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
MIXUE Malaysia Launches Cold Chain Upgrades and Specialized Training Across West Malaysia
MIXUE Malaysia Launches Cold Chain Upgrades and Specialized Training Across West Malaysia
MIXUE Malaysia Launches Cold Chain Upgrades and Specialized Training Across West Malaysia
