SDT Joins Open Quantum Design to Build Ion-Trap Hardware
SDT, a South Korean company, has become a member and manufacturing partner of Open Quantum Design (OQD), a Canadian non-profit, as reported by the Seoul Economic Daily on August 13. SDT will produce physical components based on OQD’s publicly released ion-trap designs. This announcement is a membership agreement signed at a conference; it doesn’t involve a shipped machine, and details regarding deal value or timelines weren’t disclosed.
SDT’s role in the partnership
Indeed, SDT announced its membership on August 13, following an agreement signed at Quantum Korea 2026 by Greg Dick, co-founder and CEO of OQD, and Yoon Ji-won, CEO of SDT. SDT’s responsibility will be to transform OQD’s blueprints into functional components, according to the Seoul Economic Daily.
The manufacturing scope includes vacuum chambers, ion-trapping electrodes, laser and optical systems, and control electronics. SDT will also contribute to the development of user-interface software. The Seoul Economic Daily highlighted that, though blueprints are essential, manufacturing, assembly, and control technology are all necessary to convert open designs into operational quantum equipment.
Furthermore, SDT has joined the preferred-supplier program for LightFlow, a cloud-based design and fabrication platform for free-space optical systems. Through this program, SDT intends to assist in producing optical components and ion-trap hardware for OQD’s machines.
OQD, a non-profit organization with 1 to 10 employees, is developing what it describes as the first ion-trap quantum computer with publicly available hardware blueprints, control devices, and software. Its objective is to facilitate easier participation in quantum hardware development for universities, research institutions, and companies. The announcement doesn’t specify the number of existing functional systems or when SDT-manufactured hardware will be delivered.
Strategic implications of the agreement
SDT currently specializes in sensors, cameras, and edge computing hardware, employing 51 to 100 people. This partnership will enable SDT to expand beyond supplying individual components to integrating the design, manufacturing, control systems, and software for complete machines. OQD aims to extend its ecosystem into ASEAN countries, including Singapore, and Latin America, the publication reported.
Yoon Ji-won, CEO of SDT, stated in a quote cited by the Seoul Economic Daily:
“To build a quantum computer, you have to advance ion traps, optical devices, control electronics and manufacturing technology together. Through this partnership, we will provide SDT’s design and manufacturing capabilities to the global quantum community.”
The commercial terms of this arrangement, including any financial details or minimum production commitments, remain undisclosed. The confirmed outcome is a signed membership agreement and a defined division of labor, with production activities still to commence.