Yonsei University boosts quantum computer performance 25-fold with latest IBM chip

[Financial News] Yonsei University has introduced IBM’s latest quantum processor, the Quantum Nighthawk. This marks the first time worldwide that an IBM Quantum Network participant has installed a Nighthawk at its own facility, and is expected to further strengthen the foundation for quantum computing research and specialist training in Korea.
According to industry sources on the 4th, Yonsei University and IBM installed the latest Nighthawk processor in the IBM Quantum System One at the Quantum Computing Center on Yonsei University’s Songdo International Campus. This is also the first processor upgrade for the IBM Quantum System One, the first of its kind introduced in Korea. The quantum computer was initially built in 2024 with a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor.
Nighthawk is the fastest quantum processor developed by IBM. Based on 120 programmable qubits and a high-speed qubit reset architecture, it can run more than 100,000 circuits per second. Its circuit throughput is 25 times higher than that of the previous Eagle processor.
It achieved a key 2026 technical goal on IBM’s quantum roadmap by enabling accurate estimation of observables even in circuits with 7,500 or more gates. Initial tests on circuits considered candidates for quantum advantage showed execution speeds up to 10 times faster, with no loss of accuracy.
Yonsei University plans to use the upgraded quantum computer for research and education in the biosciences. Researchers participating in the Yonsei Bio-Quantum Initiative study complex biological systems using hybrid computing that combines classical computers and quantum computers. The system will also be used for joint research examining the link between mitochondrial electron transport chain variants and Leigh syndrome.
Quantum education programs will also be expanded. The university will support research and educational activities at the Quantum Ecosystem Operations Center, the Quantum Computing Technology Support Center and the Quantum Computing Center, and provide students in master’s and doctoral programs in quantum information science with opportunities to use the new processor. IBM plans to continue its educational support, including regular lectures by industry experts.
Jae-ho Jeong, head of Yonsei University’s quantum project group, said, “Yonsei University’s adoption of the IBM Quantum Nighthawk processor is an important milestone in our university’s efforts, through collaboration with IBM, a global leader, to establish itself as a key hub for world-class quantum research and industry-academia collaboration. By leveraging top-level quantum infrastructure, we will train the next generation of specialists and lead scientific innovation through collaboration with industry and research institutions, including in the biosciences.”
Jerry Chow, an IBM Fellow and chief technology officer (CTO) for quantum-centric supercomputing, said, “This announcement shows that IBM is helping researchers and students, companies and institutions use its cutting-edge quantum computing capabilities to solve real-world problems. Yonsei researchers will be able to obtain more samples quickly, accelerate scientific discovery and strengthen their expertise in the quantum field.”
[email protected] Jang Min-kwon Reporter