Yonsei University will become the second research institution globally to build a Nighthawk quantum computer this November, following IBM Miami. The new processor is projected to reduce calculation times for complex problems, particularly in drug development and rare-disease research, from 48 years to just days. Jung Jae-ho, director of the Yonsei Quantum Initiative, says the university’s primary focus is maximizing the real-world application of quantum computers, as it simultaneously launches “Q-Bridge” to broaden industry access to the technology. Nighthawk Processor to Boost Yonsei’s Quantum Computation Yonsei University is expanding its quantum computing capabilities with the installation of a Nighthawk processor this November, becoming only the second research institution globally to house such a system after IBM Miami. This addition promises a roughly 40% increase in computational power compared to the university’s existing Eagle processor, a leap enabled by a redesigned qubit connection structure. Unlike conventional computers processing bits sequentially, quantum computers utilize qubits in a superposition state, allowing for parallel computation; however, maintaining qubit stability and minimizing errors during longer calculations remains a key challenge. The Nighthawk processor addresses this challenge through improved qubit interconnectivity, employing a lattice-shaped structure that directly links each qubit to four neighbors, reducing the need for error-prone swap gates and enhancing computational efficiency. Yonsei’s ambitions extend beyond acquiring advanced hardware; the university will simultaneously launch “Q-Bridge,” a platform designed to lower the barrier for industry to utilize quantum computing resources. Jung Jae-ho stressed that the key is to address demand from industrial sites and actively develop algorithms that will advance research, while accumulating use cases. A collaborative research project with the University of Cambridge is also planned, establishing branch offices on each campus to focus on quantum-based drug research and stem cell/AI applications. The initiative aims to create a “Q-Library” of industry-specific algorithms and use