Par Tian Xianjin, People’s Daily
In Hefei, Anhui province, east China, Yunfei Road inside the metropolis’s National High-Tech Industry Development Zone is usually often known as “Quantum Avenue.” This atypical avenue identify belies its extraordinary position because the birthplace of quite a few pioneering achievements in quantum expertise.
Along this street, the town has produced groundbreaking achievements in quantum expertise, together with the world’s first quantum science experimental satellite tv for pc, Micius, the world’s first long-distance quantum safe communication route, the Beijing-Shanghai Backbone Network, and the Jiuzhang collection, the world’s first technology of photonic quantum computer systems.
Today, “Quantum Avenue” is dwelling to greater than 30 main quantum expertise firms spanning quantum computing, communication, and measurement. Together, they type China’s most concentrated quantum trade ecosystem.
So how did Hefei construct its quantum trade from scratch and develop right into a nationwide chief? The key driver behind this growth is the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
In June 1998, a analysis workforce led by Guo Guangcan on the college initiated China’s first Xiangshan Science Conference on quantum info, formally opening the chapter of China’s quantum info analysis in Hefei. In the years that adopted, quantum expertise firms started rising one after one other within the metropolis.
In 2009, a workforce led by Professor Pan Jianwei from USTC based Anhui Quantum Communication Technology Co., Ltd., China’s first firm devoted to the industrialization of quantum expertise and the predecessor of QuantumCTek, a globally main producer of quantum safe communication gear and supplier of quantum safety options.
Later, firms corresponding to CIQTEK, which focuses on quantum precision measurement, and Origin Quantum, specializing in quantum computing, have been established. Other corporations together with China Telecom Quantum Group, Unitary Quantum, and Chinaprosp Quantum additionally moved into the world.
“Quantum technology requires a very long development cycle from basic research to commercialization and to large-scale application. It is a typical industry characterized by long cycles, high investment, high risk, and slow returns,” mentioned Wang Mingzhong, an official with Hefei’s Science and Technology Bureau. “Quantum technology’s application scenarios lie in the future, and investing in future industries requires long-term commitment.”
The progress trajectory of QuantumCTek presents a transparent instance. In 2010, the corporate participated in constructing the world’s first large-scale quantum communication experimental demonstration community in Hefei. In 2013, it supplied merchandise and technical companies for the Beijing-Shanghai Backbone Network, the world’s first quantum-secured communication trunk line spanning greater than 1,000 kilometers. In 2022, it established the Hefei Quantum Metropolitan Area Network, now the biggest and most generally lined quantum metropolitan community with the broadest vary of purposes in China.
Zhou Lei, vp of the corporate, spoke frankly concerning the metropolis’s assist for the corporate. “During our early research, Hefei provided extensive support including office space, funding, and coordination,” Zhou mentioned. “Later, for large-scale network construction, we needed extensive testing environments. Hefei authorities proactively opened application scenarios, solving an urgent challenge.”
Today, QuantumCTek holds greater than 1,000 mental property rights and has led or participated within the formulation of over 100 home and worldwide requirements. Hefei has now cultivated and attracted 97 firms within the quantum trade, producing whole annual income exceeding 6 billion yuan ($880.4 million) and fostering a quantity of consultant trade leaders.
When speaking concerning the booming quantum trade, Lu Chenchen, deputy director of the Science and Technology Bureau of Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, typically stresses one precept: using industrial traits. “But riding trends does not mean taking a hands-off approach,” Lu defined. “It means respecting rules and planning scientifically. It is not about waiting passively, but about taking initiative and planning ahead.”
Several years in the past, Lu and colleagues found a bottleneck in native industrial growth. Although Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone already had many quantum enterprises, most have been positioned within the midstream of the commercial chain. There was a scarcity of upstream part producers and downstream utility firms.
Earlier this yr, Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone launched an implementation plan for constructing a pilot zone for future quantum expertise industries. The doc systematically outlined growth targets and industrial planning for the approaching years. One main focus is attracting and cultivating upstream enterprises producing key quantum supplies and elements, in addition to downstream application-oriented firms.
Ni Pengcheng, one other official with the Science and Technology Bureau, exemplifies the hands-on method. Carrying his laptop computer in all places, Ni states, “I work with quantum-tech companies every day. Having my computer allows me to check data, look up policies, or review documents efficiently.”
For Ni, serving enterprises is rarely trivial. “When companies raise needs, we need to respond quickly and provide targeted services,” he mentioned. He recalled aiding Unitary Quantum throughout its startup part. The firm wanted unfinished workplace area with handy transportation entry. Upon studying of the request, the bureau coordinated with a number of departments to establish a number of appropriate areas. Officials then accompanied firm representatives to examine every web site.
“The process was highly efficient. After just two rounds of visits, the company found a suitable location in Phase I of Anhui Zhong’an Chuanggu Technology Park,” Ni mentioned.
As the agency was unfamiliar with venture approval and administrative procedures, the bureau additionally assigned devoted workers to offer steerage and complete assist.
Over the previous two years, Unitary Quantum has grown quickly, with a collection of technological breakthroughs. Whenever Ni talks about these achievements, he speaks with seen satisfaction. “Building platforms, providing good services, and helping companies achieve their development goals — that is what we aim to do,” he mentioned.