Seoul National University of Science and Technology (hereinafter SeoulTech) preliminary startup package participant OptiQ Labs has received the Grand Prize (all industrial sectors) at the 2025 Preliminary and Early Startup Package E-Day IR (Investor Relations) Pitching Competition. As the organizing institution of the Preliminary Startup Package, SeoulTech expressed its commitment to supporting the growth and development of preliminary startup companies.

The 2025 Preliminary and Early Startup Package E-Day is a support program established to promote the growth of companies participating in the 2024–2025 Preliminary and Early Startup Package. The event is also designed to help these companies further advance their growth engines and secure investment opportunities by supporting IR pitching, 1:1 investment consultation matching, and cooperative exchanges.

By sector, the event was held on November 27 (bio·health and eco-friendly), November 28 (big data·artificial intelligence), December 9 (manufacturing and robots·mobility), and December 10 (all industrial sectors) at EL Tower in Yangjae, Seoul. Preliminary and early startup package participant companies attending the event received support such as IR pitching, 1:1 consultations with investment institutions, and networking opportunities.


Companies participating in the IR pitching at this event received awards according to the evaluation results: Grand Prize (President of the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development Award, prize money KRW 2 million), Excellence Award (prize money KRW 1.5 million), and Merit Award (prize money KRW 1 million). Among them, OptiQ Labs won the Excellence Award in the all-industry sector after fierce competition.

OptiQ Labs develops laser systems, a core technology of ion-trap quantum computers. Among the methods of realizing qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computers, the laser system handles the optics-based “ion trap” approach. The principle of this technology is to ionize atoms, place them in a high-frequency electromagnetic field trap, and control their states with lasers.

By precisely controlling states with lasers, it is possible to secure higher stability than existing superconducting quantum computers. Above all, quantum computers can be operated at room temperature rather than at extremely low temperatures, making system operation easier. However, both maintaining atoms in an ionized state and controlling their states with lasers are known to be extremely difficult technologies. OptiQ Labs is developing the “IONSEED G001” and “IONSEED IF001” systems, which precisely control laser wavelengths while reducing linewidth. The industry expects these technologies to enhance the completeness and operational convenience of ion-trap quantum computers, while reducing both cost and system size.


OptiQ Labs stated that it achieved this result by growing through various forms of support from the SeoulTech Preliminary Startup Package, including not only financial assistance but also the transfer of management theory, investment attraction strategies and networking, and education on patents and IPOs. Based on this, the company announced that it plans to steadily achieve its goals by completing the development of its laser system and ionization system in 2026, building its own ion-trap system in 2027, and reaching ion-trap quantum computer production by 2030.

SeoulTech added, “This award is a valuable achievement that proves the innovative results created by the ceaseless efforts and passion of OptiQ Labs. SeoulTech will spare no effort in supporting promising Preliminary Startup Package companies like OptiQ Labs so that they can continue their remarkable growth through repeated challenges and contribute to the development of the Korean economy by leading with innovative ideas.”

Reporter Cha Jukyung, ITDongA (racingcar@itdonga.com)

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