South Korean quantum computing startup OQT has raised US$10.5 million in Pre-Series A funding to advance error-tolerant neutral atom quantum computers. The round was led by DSC Investment and included participation from existing investors Kakao Ventures and BluePoint Partners. New investors joining the round are Murex Partners, Stonebridge Ventures, Schmidt, Z Venture Capital, and Global Innovation Labs.
Funding round and strategic investor base
The financing brings together repeat backers and new investors with international reach, creating a syndicate that spans domestic venture capital and overseas strategic partners. DSC Investment led the funding round, while Kakao Ventures and BluePoint Partners returned as existing shareholders after previous support. New investors Murex Partners, Stonebridge Ventures, Schmidt, Z Venture Capital, and Global Innovation Labs add financial resources and regional expertise.
Global partnership opportunities
OQT expects Z Venture Capital to help connect the company with industry networks in Japan and the United States, two markets that are active in quantum technology development. Global Innovation Labs will explore collaboration with SRI, formerly the Stanford Research Institute, which serves as the lead organization for the Quantum Economic Development Consortium. Because QED-C members include NVIDIA and IonQ, OQT gains a potential channel to build international technology relationships and industry visibility.
Technical foundation and approach
OQT builds quantum computers using laser-cooled neutral atoms and logical qubits, an approach designed to improve stability during complex calculations. Unlike physical qubits, logical qubits rely on quantum error correction codes that detect and fix computational errors in real time. The company's core technology is the Software-Defined Quantum Processor, or SDQ, which allows the processor's structure and operations to be reconfigured by software to match the needs of specific algorithms.
Leadership and company origins
OQT was founded by Kim Dong-kyu, a physics professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and a founding member of QuEra. QuEra previously developed a 256 qubit neutral atom quantum computer, giving Kim direct experience in large scale quantum hardware. OQT integrates hardware, software, quantum algorithms, and error correction into one system design rather than treating these components separately.
Planned use of proceeds
The new capital will accelerate development of error-tolerant quantum computers and support the construction of systems suited for industrial and research environments. OQT is focused on resolving accuracy and reliability challenges that continue to hold back commercial use of quantum computing. The company also intends to use investor relationships to create technology partnerships and link quantum processors to practical applications in global markets.
Investor and leadership perspectives
DSC Investment director Kang Sung-min said OQT has developed core quantum computing technologies based on expertise in atomic physics and quantum control. Kakao Ventures senior investment reviewer Shin Jeong-ho added that OQT has the technology, network, and understanding of global technology trends needed to solve key quantum computing challenges. CEO Kim Dong-kyu stated that OQT will prove the value of error-tolerant quantum computers by designing and building systems that address problems beyond the practical limits of conventional computers.
With this funding, OQT is positioned to strengthen its role in the global neutral atom quantum computing ecosystem while advancing toward practical commercialization. The startup's software-defined and error correction focused strategy may help overcome reliability barriers that have slowed quantum adoption. As OQT pursues international research and industry collaborations, its progress could serve as an important indicator for the next phase of quantum computing development.