On December 8, 2025, MBIE announced three joint New Zealand-Korea quantum communication research projects funded through the Catalyst Strategic NZ-Korea Joint Research Partnerships Programme. Each project receives up to NZ$450,000 (approximately US$260,000) over three years, with quantum communication selected as the focus for the 2025 joint funding round.
According to the MBIE announcement, the three projects pair New Zealand universities with Korean institutions. Researchers from the University of Otago and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) are developing quantum repeaters using rare-earth quantum memories in photonic integrated circuits. A University of Auckland and KAIST team is creating a compact chip-based quantum light source for quantum key distribution. A third project links the University of Otago with Kyung Hee University to develop interfaces connecting optical and microwave quantum signals.
MBIE Manager of Specialised Investments Heather Penny said quantum communication was selected because breakthroughs could lead to benefits including safer online banking, secure health data sharing, and protection against cyber threats. The call for proposals was administered by the Dodd-Walls Centre on behalf of MBIE.