NZ partners with Korea to advance quantum communication technology

"The New Zealand – Korea Joint Research Partnerships Programme is a triennial funding programme that facilitates bilateral science, research and innovation collaborations between New Zealand and Korean researchers," says Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Manager Specialised Investments Heather Penny.

"Quantum communication was selected as the focus for our 2025 joint funding round as breakthroughs could lead to significant benefits for our people and economy – enabling safer online banking, secure health data sharing and protection against cyber threats."

The call for proposals for the programme was administered by the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies on behalf of MBIE.

"Quantum communication offers a way to keep information secure, but right now there are challenges in encoding light particles (photons) with quantum information, sending them over long distances while retaining their quantum properties to enable quantum systems to talk to each other," says Dodd-Walls Director Frédérique Vanholsbeeck.

"These 3 projects, supported on the New Zealand side by the Catalyst Fund, aim to overcome some of these challenges and lay the foundation for next-generation quantum communication networks."

"This partnership combines New Zealand’s expertise in quantum technologies and photonics with Korea’s world-class engineering and highly complementary expertise. It highlights the value we gain by working with likeminded international partners," Ms Penny says.

University of Otago and Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) partnership

Researchers from the University of Otago and Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science & Technology are developing quantum repeaters – think of them as ultra-secure relay stations – using rare-earth quantum memories embedded in advanced photonic circuits.

The quantum repeaters will:

• Enable ultra-secure communication across cities and countries.
• Lay the groundwork for scalable quantum networks and modular quantum computers.
• Position New Zealand and Korea as leaders in next-generation communication technology.

University of Auckland and KAIST partnership

Researchers from the University of Auckland and KAIST are creating a compact quantum light source that replaces bulky optical systems with a chip-based solution. This will make quantum key distribution (QKD) affordable and compatible with existing telecom networks.

The compact quantum light source will:

• Provide ultra-secure communication for government, defence, and financial sectors – and eventually everyday users.
• Enable opportunities to manufacture cost effective components and accelerate commercialisation.
• Strengthen global leadership in integrated quantum photonics.

University of Otago and Kyung Hee University partnership

Researchers from the University of Otago and Korea’s Kyung Hee University are developing an interface that connects different types of quantum signals – light and microwaves – using surface acoustic waves and light resonators.

The quantum signal connector will:

• Enable seamless, secure signal transfer across quantum networks.
• Lay the foundation for advanced quantum computing and hybrid technologies.
• Open new opportunities for secure communication and next-generation information systems.

More information

Visit the MBIE website for more information on the programme and successful proposals.

Catalyst: Strategic – New Zealand – Korea 2025 Joint Research Partnerships Programme