China Academy of Sciences Innovation Achieves First Commercial Sales of Hanyuan-1 Atomic Quantum Computer
China Academy of Sciences Innovation Achieves First Commercial Sales of Hanyuan-1 Atomic Quantum Computer
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Synopsis:
- China’s first atomic quantum computer, the Hanyuan-1, records its initial commercial sales valued at about US$5.6 million.
- The system has been delivered to a China Mobile subsidiary, with Pakistan also placing an order.
- Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology in Wuhan, it uses neutral atom qubits and operates at room temperature.
- Home-grown laser technology reduces reliance on Western supply chains.
- The team plans to build China’s first atomic quantum computing centre and expand to high-end applications such as drug discovery and materials design by 2027.
China’s first atomic quantum computer has reached a significant commercial milestone with its initial sales to both domestic and international buyers, according to a report by the South China Morning Post, citing state media sources. The official newspaper Hubei Daily reported that the first commercial Hanyuan-1 unit had been delivered to a subsidiary of telecom provider China Mobile, while Pakistan had also placed an order. The total value of the sales exceeded 40 million yuan (approximately US$5.6 million).
The Hanyuan-1 represents one of the few atomic quantum computers globally to achieve mass production and delivery. It was developed by the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan. The system is designed to perform advanced calculations, including financial modelling and logistics optimisation, highlighting its industrial relevance.
Quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics, enabling calculations far beyond the capability of classical systems through qubits — units that can exist as both 0 and 1 simultaneously due to a property known as superposition. However, researchers still face challenges in managing errors as the number of qubits scales into the millions. To address this, developers have adopted a pragmatic strategy by focusing on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, typically containing tens to a few hundred qubits.
The Hanyuan-1, equipped with 100 qubits, is described as having “world-class performance.” Unlike competing systems based on ions, photons, or artificial atoms, this machine utilises neutral, uncharged atoms as qubits. These are manipulated using laser beams to perform computations, achieving stability and precision without the need for cryogenic cooling.
Unveiled in June after nearly two decades of research and engineering, the project has yielded multiple scientific breakthroughs and strengthened China’s self-reliance in critical quantum components. Since 2018, the United States has restricted exports of specific quantum computing hardware such as high-precision lasers to China. In response, the Wuhan-based team developed domestic laser systems that meet demanding specifications while consuming just one-tenth the power of imported alternatives and costing significantly less.
According to the report, these advances have helped China reduce dependence on Western supply chains and gain a competitive edge in atomic quantum computing hardware. Compared to more common superconducting quantum computers, the atomic model consumes less energy, requires minimal maintenance, and offers dramatically lower deployment costs. Its compact configuration can be integrated into three standard equipment racks and functions in a typical laboratory environment.
The team is also preparing to establish China’s first atomic quantum computing centre. The facility will support complex computational workloads, such as financial risk analysis, for thousands of enterprise users. An unnamed project leader told Hubei Daily that the industry’s focus has shifted from qubit count to system practicality and engineering maturity. The leader added, “We will continue to improve the comprehensive metrics of the atomic quantum computer, targeting high-end applications such as drug discovery and materials design. Our goal is to provide scalable atomic computing services by 2027.”
This development signifies China’s growing technological independence and ambitions in the quantum race, marking a pivotal step toward industrialising quantum computing for real-world applications.
Source: South China Morning Post.
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About The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) – Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology (IPMST) is a leading research institution based in Wuhan, China, focused on advancing quantum physics, precision measurement, and high-end scientific instrumentation. Operating under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it plays a central role in China’s progress in quantum computing, metrology, and optical engineering.
The IPMST developed the Hanyuan-1 atomic quantum computer, marking a breakthrough in the global quantum race. By creating domestic high-precision lasers and control systems, the academy has reduced China’s reliance on imported components and strengthened its position in atomic quantum hardware. Its research spans atomic clocks, laser interferometry, and quantum sensors, bridging scientific theory with practical engineering.
Through decades of innovation and collaboration, the IPMST continues to drive China’s technological independence and global competitiveness in quantum and precision measurement technologies.
Featured image Source: CGTN
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