Taiwan is set to achieve a significant milestone by creating its inaugural domestically engineered quantum computer by the year 2027, as announced by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).
The head of the NSTC’s Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development, Luo Meng-fan, highlighted quantum computing as the highly anticipated next-stage advancement in computational power.
The NSTC has collaborated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Academia Sinica, and various research organizations to implement a five-year, NT$8 billion (US$258.86 million) quantum technology plan initiated in 2022.
Luo cited a Google study from July of the preceding year, revealing the remarkable capability of its Sycamore processor, equipped with 70 quantum bits (qubits), to complete a task that would have taken a classical supercomputer 47 years in a mere 6.18 seconds.
Quantum computing involves assessing performance through tasks like random circuit sampling, which evaluates the efficiency of quantum computers in solving intricate problems.
Acknowledging the potential threat to digital data security posed by quantum computers, Luo emphasized the importance of countermeasures such as quantum cryptography, specifically quantum key distribution.
Despite advancements, Luo noted the existing challenge of high error rates in quantum computers, projecting an additional six years of research and development for the technology to mature and make a global impact.
Emphasizing the strategic importance for Taiwan to develop quantum computers, he underlined the collaboration between NSTC and various sectors in establishing a robust component supply chain, crucial for a swift transition to commercial purposes.
Highlighting the global race to develop quantum computers, Luo mentioned discussions between Taiwanese researchers and Finnish quantum computing hardware company IQM for potential testing platforms in Taiwan.
Additionally, he noted the utilization of quantum cloud computation services by four cloud software computational platforms through partnerships with international companies like IBM and Amazon.
Lee Chau-hwang, executive secretary of Academia Sinica’s Central Academic Advisory Committee, disclosed plans for the institution to provide its newly developed 5-qubit chips for trials at research facilities later in the month.
While Taiwan is in the early stages of quantum chipset development, Lee emphasized the importance of monitoring and improving chipset yield rates for future mass production.
