SEALSQ and the Seoul Metropolitan Government Sign MoU to Establish a Post-Quantum Semiconductor Personalization, Research and Design Center in Seoul

Core Insights - SEALSQ Corp has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to establish a Post-Quantum Semiconductor Personalization, Research and Design Center in Seoul [3][5][11] - The center will focus on integrating quantum-resistant cryptographic technology into semiconductor chips, addressing future cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing [4][8][10] Industry Overview - South Korea holds a significant position in the global semiconductor market, controlling nearly 17% and leading in memory chip production [5] - The South Korean government has allocated $136 million for quantum research and development in 2025, aiming to enhance the country's capabilities in quantum-secure communications and encryption technologies [5][11] Project Objectives - The center will research and design RISC-V chip architectures integrated with post-quantum cryptography [6] - It aims to personalize and test post-quantum cryptographic chips for Internet of Things (IoT) applications [6] - The project will also integrate quantum-resistant encryption modules into satellite systems to enhance secure space communications [6][8] Market Potential - The global post-quantum cryptography (PQC) market is projected to grow from $1.1 billion in 2024 to between $4 billion and $9 billion by 2030-2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37-45% [7] - The Asia-Pacific region is identified as one of the fastest-growing markets for PQC, with South Korea leading in quantum key distribution and secure communications infrastructure [7] Strategic Importance - The initiative positions South Korea as a leader in both semiconductor and cybersecurity innovation, reinforcing its digital sovereignty [5][11] - SEALSQ's focus on compliance with international standards, particularly NIST's PQC guidelines, ensures its alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks [10]