Anhui has dozens of quantum information companies and many of them are located in Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, which has now been dubbed "Quantum Avenue". [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

Anhui province has gained a first-mover advantage to take the lead in the development of quantum science and technology, said Xia Ji, deputy director of the provincial science and technology department.

The province has planned in advance for developing quantum communications, quantum computing and quantum precision measurement, and has made a number of national breakthroughs in the areas in recent years, helping China become an international  frontrunner in the quantum field, according to Xia.

Xia spoke at the first CCF Quantum Computation Conference (CQCC 2022) and the first Quantum Computing Industry Summit, which was hosted by the China Computer Federation (CCF) and was held on Aug 21 in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province.

As Hefei is striving to establish itself as a hub for the quantum computing industry, the local government organized the event to explore the development trend of the quantum computing industry, promote cooperation between upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry, and enhance industry-academic-research institution collaborative innovation.

In his speech, Xia said that Anhui will continue to dissect key core technologies, promote the commercialization of quantum science and technology achievements, explore and expand application scenarios, increase market development efforts, and accelerate the industrialization of quantum technologies.

Xia also added that full support will be given to building professional industrial parks like the Hefei Quantum Computing Industrial Park to create a physical space for the gathering of upstream and downstream quantum enterprises and accelerate the development of the quantum technology industry cluster.

Representatives of quantum technology companies and research institutions discuss the development of the quantum technology industry at the CQCC 2022 in Hefei on Aug 21. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]