Guo Guoping, the founder and chief scientist of Origin Quantum [Photo/minge.gov.cn]

Professor Guo Guoping at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a leading scientist in the country's semiconductor quantum chip research field and the founder of Origin Quantum, China's first startup company engaged in the quantum computing industry, which opened in Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone in 2017.

Quantum technology is one of today's hottest and most fascinating research fields. One of its most interesting projects is currently the quantum computer, which may one day solve in one second problems which take traditional computers 150,000 years.

"We hope to make China a competitive country in the field of quantum computing by developing more and more core patents," said Guo.

Born in 1977, Guo is a native of Nanchang city, Jiangxi province. He was initially admitted to the Department of Foreign Languages of USTC in 1996 but later transferred to the Department of Physics. He got his PhD from the same university and became a teacher there after graduation.

When he was a sophomore in 1998, Guo got a chance to work with a quantum research team led by famous quantum scientist Guo Guangcan. This was during the early days of the field and exposed Guo to the discipline's cutting-edge reports, conferences and theories.

During his studies for his master degree and PhD, Guo focused on quantum optics, engaging in research into quantum secure communication and information devices.

Later, he learned that top universities in the United States, the Netherlands and Japan were looking into the possibilities of semiconductor quantum computing, an area of interest that was yet to be explored by China.

Guo decided to change that and enter the field of quantum computing after discussion with his instructor, later becoming responsible for the establishment of the first semiconductor quantum chip research group in China.

Guo has since published many high-profile scientific research results. In 2010 and 2016, he was elected as the chief scientist responsible for the national quantum research project "Quantum Chip".

Hefei Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In addition to doing research, Guo also contributed to promoting the industrialization of quantum computing through the development of Origin Quantum.

The company has begun to build a complete industrial ecosystem from semiconductor quantum chips, measurement and control to quantum language, operating systems and cloud services, as well as the whole machine. At the end of 2018, the company successfully developed the first quantum computer control system with complete independent intellectual property rights in China.

In order to provide more opportunities for the public to get involved in this field, Origin Quantum has launched a series of online courses to help quantum computing practitioners and enthusiasts learn about the topic.

In Guo's view, the research and application of quantum computing needs continuous effort.

"There are still many problems to be solved and what we need to do is to work hard and promote quantum science and technology in order for it to advance."