Nation's quantum computing rising

China is intensifying its push to build a self-reliant quantum computing industry, aiming to turn homegrown breakthroughs into global commercial influence, according to a national lawmaker on the sidelines of the ongoing two sessions.

Guo Guoping, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and chairman of Origin Quantum, told China Daily that the company has achieved full domestic control of key technologies — from quantum chips and operating systems to complete quantum machines — and now provides cloud-based quantum computing services to users in more than 160 countries and regions.

Quantum technology — encompassing quantum computing, communications and precision measurements — is considered a potential game-changer in computing power, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

"This is the result of 20 years of efforts in Anhui province, but it is also a new starting point. Key technologies cannot be asked for, bought or borrowed. We must break through ourselves," Guo said.

According to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation last week, China will beef up efforts to nurture future industries including quantum technology.

Over the past two decades, Origin Quantum has developed superconducting quantum processors with 72 qubits, launched the Origin Wukong quantum computer and built China's first dedicated quantum chip production line.

Despite quantum computing still being nascent, Origin Quantum has begun providing practical services. The Wukong platform has completed over 810,000 quantum computing tasks and attracted 46 million visits from users worldwide.

On the software side, the company released China's first domestically developed quantum computer operating system, now available for global download.

Guo said: "This allows anyone in the world to operate our system remotely. It is a key step toward building a fully independent industrial ecosystem. Looking ahead, we will promote the integration of general-purpose computing, supercomputing, intelligent computing and quantum computing to build a fully self-reliant industrial ecosystem."

The executive added, "We will drive early breakthroughs in quantum computing applications in Anhui's key industries such as precision medicines, low-altitude aviation and intelligent driving, and cultivate and expand future industries."

Contact the writers at chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn