BEIJING: It was the year 2005. Six researchers were in a classroom of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Anhui Province, busy working toward their dreams as pioneers of quantum computing. As there was only one computer available to them, they had to take turns sitting at the terminal to complete their work. Back then, the team members may never have imagined how far their research would take them.
One of the researchers, Guo Guoping, a professor of quantum transport in his 40s, has been part of China’s quantum industry since its inception. In addition to his role at USTC, Guo is deputy director of the Key Laboratory of Quantum Information at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Earlier this year, he was elected as a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) for the first time.
“Over recent decades, the focus of quantum computing in China has shifted from only theoretical research to both theory and technical application,” Guo told Beijing Review. As an NPC deputy this year, Guo suggested developing platforms for quantum computing training and improving the systems for evaluating workers in the technology industries.
Quantum industries mainly focus on computing, communication and measurement. A quantum computer makes use of quantum mechanics to achieve more efficient computation than classical computers. D-Wave, a Canada-based quantum computing company, sold its first quantum computer in 2011. U.S. tech giant IBM then delivered one in 2019.
In 2017, the team of six from USTC established Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co. Ltd. in Hefei City, capital of Anhui, the first quantum computing company in China. The company delivered its first quantum computer to a user in 2021, making China the world’s third country with the ability to produce them.
–The Daily Mail-Beijing Review news exchange item
