Liao Junzhi, the president of Academia Sinica in Taiwan, is about to step down. During his tenure, he strongly advocated three major technological goals: quantum computing, epidemic prevention, and net-zero emissions, asserting that Taiwan’s quantum chip technology has risen to the top five globally.

Liao Junzhi mentioned that Taiwan has chosen superconducting quantum technology as the main development axis, concentrating resources on the research and development of quantum chips and quantum computers. Subsequently, the Academia Sinica successfully developed superconducting quantum chips and continuously increased the number of quantum bits for use by academia, industry, and research sectors.

Liao Junzhi believes that the focus of quantum chip development is not merely about “competing in bit count,” but rather identifying key technologies that affect stability and yield during the R&D process. This approach aims to pinpoint quantum chip manufacturing as Taiwan’s core direction for competing internationally, leveraging existing semiconductor manufacturing advantages to forge a differentiated path.

Liao Junzhi stated bluntly that in the field of quantum computing, the United States, Europe, Japan, and Chinese Mainland are leading the way, but Taiwan has chosen to specialize in quantum chip manufacturing processes, which represents the most competitive and most aligned development path with its own “industrial DNA.” In terms of quantum chip manufacturing capabilities, Taiwan currently holds a globally recognized position and is expected to rank among the top five in the world.

According to Quantum Perspective, Taiwan released its first 5-qubit superconducting quantum computer in 2023. Recently, Taiwan unveiled another 20-qubit superconducting quantum computer, utilizing a domestically developed quantum chip from the Academia Sinica.

This research was funded by the Academia Sinica’s “Key Breakthrough Program” and the National Science Council’s “Quantum Technology Project,” in collaboration with institutions such as Changhua University of Education, National Central University, and National Chung Hsing University, jointly advancing the development of quantum computers in Taiwan.