QISCA Newsletter - April 2026

koreaquantumclubs
Jun 25
4 min read

April QISCA Basic Seminars and Journal Club

By Hyunwoo Kang (QHUantum)

A total of three Basic Seminars and Journal Club sessions were held in April 2026.

On April 6th, Juhyun Park from QUICK presented on "Entangled Datasets for Quantum Machine Learning". The presentation pointed out that while Quantum Machine Learning (QML) heavily relies on classical datasets, the essential embedding process can obscure the actual performance of Quantum Neural Networks (QNNs) and hinder trainability. To address this, the speaker introduced NTangled, a specialized quantum dataset composed of pure quantum states with varying types and degrees of multipartite entanglement. By bypassing the embedding bottleneck, NTangled enables independent and rigorous benchmarking of QNN architectures. The speaker emphasized that QNNs can be effectively trained to generate these entangled states and subsequently learn to classify their unique physical signatures with high accuracy, thereby establishing a new standard for evaluating the scalability and performance of QML models.

On April 27th, Heeju Kim from SQRT presented on "Quantum Sensing of Neural Activity with Diamond NV Centers". Noting that conventional neural recording methods often entail a trade-off between temporal resolution, spatial coverage, invasiveness, and biological compatibility, the presentation introduced diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers as room-temperature quantum sensors to detect the minute magnetic fields generated by neuronal currents. The speaker explained how action potentials generate nT-scale magnetic fields and how these can be measured through optically detected magnetic resonance and free induction decay protocols. Notably, the talk covered two key studies: Hall et al. (2012), which proposed wide-field NV-diamond imaging of neural magnetic activity through theoretical modeling, and Barry et al. (2016), which demonstrated the actual optical magnetic detection of single-neuron action potentials. In conclusion, NV-diamond magnetometry was highlighted as a promising label-free and non-invasive approach capable of measuring neural current dynamics with high temporal resolution, while also shedding light on future challenges related to sensitivity, sensor-sample distance, wide-field imaging, and the reconstruction of dense neural networks.

On the same day, Hyun Shin from KAIST presented on "Quantum Shannon Theory". Just as Shannon's classical information theory provides a quantitative understanding of lossless information compression limits and necessary redundancy in noisy settings, this presentation discussed the need to establish a quantum Shannon theory as information processing utilizing quantum resources becomes more visible. The talk introduced the von Neumann entropy, a core concept of the theory, exploring it in depth through the contexts of two operational meanings: the number of pure qubits present within a noisy state, and as a measure of pure state entanglement.

April Study Sessions

By Heeju Kim (SQRT)

Throughout this semester, the Academic Department has been running various study groups to broaden the understanding of quantum information and quantum computing. This month, basic and advanced study sessions officially commenced, allowing members to continue their learning tailored to their individual levels and interests.

In the basic study sessions, which focused on the fundamentals of quantum information and quantum mechanics, members systematically built the essential concepts and physical background necessary for studying quantum information science. The advanced study sessions covered more specialized topics reflecting the diverse interests of the members. A wide range of subjects spanning theory and application were explored, including Quantum Coding Theory, Hamiltonian Simulation, Quantum ETF Engineering, QTMP, Open Quantum Systems, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Algorithms, and Quantum Computing using Superconducting Qubits.

Each study session was operated in a format where a mentor studied the given topic in depth and delivered a lecture, while participants grasped and expanded upon the contents together through Q&A and discussions. The study activities in April served as an initiating step for the academic flow that will continue throughout the semester.

Meeting with BTQ CEO Youngseok Choi

April 15th, 2026 (Wed)

By Sungbin Lee (SQRT)

On April 15th, 2026, QISCA held a meeting with Youngseok Choi, CEO of the quantum cryptography company BTQ, to discuss strategies for expanding industry-academia collaboration.

During the meeting, Daou Kiwoom Group expressed interest in participating in the industry session of the 2nd National Undergraduate Quantum Conference and explored potential collaborative opportunities. Additionally, plans to co-host the "Kiwoom Securities Quantum Information Competition" during the upcoming summer vacation with Daou Kiwoom Group were discussed.

Both parties also exchanged views on cooperative measures utilizing the QFK 2026 conference proceedings and promotional channels, alongside event sponsorship. This meeting served as a valuable opportunity to confirm the potential for expanding exchanges between student-led quantum communities and the industry.

Attendance at the "Quantum Generation" Exhibition Opening Ceremony

April 17th, 2026 (Fri)

By Sungbin Lee (SQRT)

On April 17th, 2026, QISCA members were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the special exhibition "Quantum Generation" held at the Gwacheon National Science Museum.

This exhibition introduced the public to the developmental history of quantum mechanics, from its birth to the second quantum revolution encompassing quantum computers, quantum communication, and quantum sensors. Officials from major institutions, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Science Museum, and the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), attended the event, with Kihwan Kim, Director of the IBS Center for Trapped Ion Quantum Information, delivering the keynote speech.

QISCA met with officials from the Gwacheon National Science Museum to discuss recruiting undergraduate volunteers for exhibition guiding and operations, as well as collaborative measures for quantum education. Furthermore, QISCA proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a cooperative framework between the institutions in the future. Through this attendance, QISCA actively explored potential collaborations to popularize quantum science and expand quantum education for the youth.

Quantinuum–NORMA–QISCA Joint Meeting

April 28th, 2026 (Tue)

By Sungbin Lee (SQRT)

QISCA executives, including President Sungbin Lee and Vice President Wonjung Baek, held a meeting with officials including Shuya Kekke, CEO of Quantinuum Japan, at the NORMA headquarters. During the meeting, they exchanged views on quantum industry trends, talent cultivation strategies, and the potential for collaboration between the Korean and Japanese quantum communities.

During the discussions, QISCA proposed inviting speakers from Quantinuum to the Quantum Future Korea (QFK) 2026 forum session, aiming to maintain continuous collaboration even after the event. Consequently, Quantinuum Japan participated in the QFK 2026 forum session, sharing the current status and outlook of the global quantum industry with students and industry stakeholders.