Delegation secures strategic ties with D-Wave, Microsoft, and AIST while paving the way for U.S. market entry and regional operations.
SEOUL, South Korea and COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has successfully led a delegation of South Korean quantum deep-tech startups at Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026, establishing key international partnerships and expanding their footprint into the U.S. market.
Serving as the lead organization for the quantum technology sector under South Korea's Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups—overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and administered by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development—KIST spearheaded the initiative through its Global Bridge Program. The program connects Korean startups with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors to drive global commercialization beyond initial technology development.
For this U.S. program, KIST jointly planned and implemented the Global Bridge Program with the U.S. Embassy in Korea, supporting Korean quantum technology startups in connecting with overseas research institutions, enterprise partners, and investors.
During the event, KIST and participating startups initiated strategic discussions to utilize D-Wave's quantum computing systems, providing Korean startups direct access to advanced quantum infrastructure for technology development and practical application testing. KIST also met with Japan's Q-STAR and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to explore opportunities that strengthen bilateral connections between the Korean and Japanese quantum technology ecosystems.
To further expand international corporate connections, KIST facilitated exchanges between Microsoft and startups in the Deeptech Incubator Project to build long-term enterprise collaboration opportunities. These efforts delivered immediate market access outcomes, with participating startup OptiQ-Labs finalizing plans to establish a U.S. East Coast office in November. OptiQ-Labs becomes the first quantum startup supported through the Deeptech Incubator Project to establish a physical regional presence in the eastern United States.
Dr. Kang Sunjoon, Director of KIST's Technology Commercialization Office and head of the Deeptech Incubator Project, emphasized the importance of turning international connections into sustained partnerships and commercialization opportunities for Korean quantum startups.
"International engagement needs to go beyond individual events and lead to continued collaboration with overseas research institutions, companies and investors," Kang said. "Building on the connections established through QWC 2026, KIST will continue to support Korean quantum startups in developing technology partnerships, expanding into global markets and creating concrete commercialization opportunities."
KIST will continue to build on the follow-up partnerships established at QWC 2026, systematically integrating Korean quantum technologies into global research, industrial, and investment networks.
Participating startups at QWC 2026
- OptiQ-Labs: Develops optical hardware for quantum technologies, drawing on over a decade of research in isotope-selective laser spectroscopy, resonance ionization, laser cooling and trapped-ion spectroscopy. Its technologies include ultra-narrow-linewidth laser systems, laser stabilization and ion-trap systems, with the goal of delivering complete ion-trap quantum computer hardware.
- xDots: Develops diamond quantum sensing solutions for industrial energy efficiency. Its xEnergy platform combines room-temperature diamond NV-center sensors with AI and IoT to optimize equipment operation in real time.
- Bright Quantum: Develops on-demand single-photon sources for photonic quantum computing and communication, including commercially available high-end quantum-dot sources and ultra-compact room-temperature systems operating without cryogenics.
- SQK: Develops QMEDIC, a medical imaging platform combining quantum technologies and physics-guided AI to improve low-dose CT image quality while preserving critical anatomical structures.
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KIST Accelerates Global Expansion for Korean Quantum Deep-Tech Startups at Quantum World Congress 2026
Collaborations at CENTRESTAGE 2026 and Mid-Autumn K-Festival Week Highlight Integration of Technology, Fashion and Food
News Summary
- LG Electronics Hong Kong presented its home appliances at two major Korean cultural events this September.
- LG partnered with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) at CENTRESTAGE to showcase how the LG Styler supports garment care in Korean fashion exhibits.
- During Mid-Autumn K-Festival Week, organized by the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, LG presented a "Housewarming by LG" K-Lifestyle experience zone featuring the LG Styler, InstaView™ refrigerator and multifunctional microwave steam oven.
- The events demonstrated how LG's technologies can support convenient garment care and optimal food preservation in the daily lives of Hong Kong consumers.
HONG KONG, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) Hong Kong highlighted its latest smart home technologies through two cultural collaborations in Hong Kong this September. Through its participation in CENTRESTAGE 2026 and Mid-Autumn K-Festival Week, LG demonstrated how its technologies – from garment-care and kitchen appliances to smart home solutions – can bring the creativity of Korean fashion and food culture to Hong Kong consumers, supporting more convenient everyday living.
Supporting K-Fashion Through Innovative Garment Care
At CENTRESTAGE 2026, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sept. 2-5, LG collaborated with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to support the Korea Pavilion. At the exhibition, the LG Styler provided a convenient garment-care solution for the fashion pieces on display, helping refresh and prepare them throughout the exhibition while reducing the need for frequent ironing that may place stress on delicate fabrics.
During the event, LG engaged with Korean fashion designer Antonio Shin, whose latest collection features delicate materials such as premium rayon and natural fibers. Shin emphasized that garment care is an integral part of extending the design vision and preserving a fabric's unique character. He highlighted how the LG Styler's steam technology helps refresh garments and maintain the original texture, drape and silhouette of delicate pieces, demonstrating how technology can complement a designer's craftsmanship.
Creating a K-Lifestyle Experience at Mid-Autumn K-Festival Week
LG extended its efforts to share K-Lifestyle experiences at Mid-Autumn K-Festival Week from Sept. 21-27 at Central Market. The event, co-presented by the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (KoCham HK) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, invited visitors to explore Korean culture through food, workshops and experiences.
LG hosted a dedicated "Housewarming by LG" K-Lifestyle experience zone to showcase a range of products, including the LG Styler and InstaView™ refrigerator. The interactive layout allowed visitors to experience firsthand how these appliances deliver comfort and convenience in a modern, welcoming home environment.
Showcasing K-Food and Ingredient Care
During a live cooking demonstration on Sept. 26, acclaimed Korean chef Park Joon-woo presented his interpretation of contemporary Korean cuisine using the LG 349L InstaView™ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator and the new LG 32L Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven. Featuring Korean dishes such as Hanwoo beef with a galbijjim sauce and grilled Korean pork belly, Chef Park combined refined techniques and bold flavors to spotlight Korean culinary tradition and modern creativity.
During the demonstration, Chef Park highlighted the LG InstaView™ refrigerator's Knock Twice feature, which illuminates the glass panel to let users see inside without opening the door. This helps to reduce cold-air loss and keep meal preparation more organized.
Chef Park also shared his culinary philosophy and discussed how careful organization and storage are equally important as quality ingredients. He noted that consistent temperature control is especially critical for preserving premium ingredients like Hanwoo beef and Handon pork. Supported by LG's LinearCooling™ and DoorCooling⁺™ technologies, the refrigerator minimizes temperature fluctuations and circulates cool air evenly, helping ingredients maintain their freshness and flavor and giving home cooks greater confidence to elevate everyday dining.
Connecting Culture Through Technology
Through these collaborations, LG continues to create new connections between Korean creativity and Hong Kong consumers. Looking ahead, LG remains committed to integrating technology into everyday life, introducing more consumers to the convenience, style and sophistication of K-Lifestyle and the company's Life's Good brand vision.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG's four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 88 trillion in 2024. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.
About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company
The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers' quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG's Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LG.com/global/newsroom/.
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LG BRINGS K-LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES TO HONG KONG THROUGH CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS
LG BRINGS K-LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES TO HONG KONG THROUGH CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS
LG BRINGS K-LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES TO HONG KONG THROUGH CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS
