Hefei hi-tech zone attracts 23 quantum tech firms

Young researchers at the Institute of Advanced Technology in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone are hard at work. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]

The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone was home to 23 quantum technology enterprises as of September, according to the zone's administration for market regulation.

The 23 enterprises are involved in quantum computing, quantum measurement, quantum communications, and more.

The zone received its first quantum technology enterprise in 2009, and it now houses five major players in the field, including QuantumCTek Co, emanating from the University of Science and Technology of China, and Chinainstru & Quantumtech (hefei) Co, whose primary technology is for quantum precision measurement.

Most quantum companies began operating in the zone in 2017 and 2018, as the zone has been striving to optimize its environment for the research and development of quantum technology in recent years.

The Innovation Institute for Quantum Information and Quantum Technology, to be the world's largest quantum laboratory after its completion, will work to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of quantum information science and technology.

Hefei's quantum information-related patents account for 12.1 percent of the country's total, second only to Beijing.