In recent years, quantum technology has increasingly been recognized as a revolutionary force reshaping the world. Whether through breakthroughs in computational performance, significant improvements in communication security, or major advances in measurement accuracy, quantum technologies are driving nations into a new era of technological competition. Governments worldwide are investing significant resources and designating quantum as a strategic priority. For Taiwan, positioned at a critical hub of the global technology supply chain, proactive engagement is essential to seize emerging industrial opportunities.
During my tenure as Deputy Convenor of the Board of Science and Technology under the Executive Yuan in 2021, I lead the establishment of “The Taiwan Quantum National Team.” This initiative unites government, industry, academia, and research resources to cultivate advanced talent, strengthen core technological capabilities, and expedite quantum development. The primary objective is to build Taiwan’s indigenous quantum technologies and lay the foundations for sustaining the global competitiveness of the semiconductor and ICT sectors over the coming decade. Although the journey presents considerable challenges, Taiwan’s robust expertise in semiconductors, communications, materials science, and information science provides a unique advantage in advancing quantum innovation.
Over the past two years, The Taiwan Quantum National Team has achieved several important breakthroughs. Academia Sinica has successfully developed a 5‑qubit superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU) and established a Quantum Computing Test Space (QC-Test), thereby strengthening Taiwan’s domestic quantum research and development capacity. National Tsing Hua University and Chunghwa Telecom have conducted a 10‑kilometer intercity quantum‑encrypted communication test using existing fiber‑optic infrastructure, laying the groundwork for highly secure networks. ITRI, in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has developed low‑temperature control chips and modules using the 28‑nanometer process, which can operate stably at −269°C, achieving a 40%
reduction in size and over 50% lower power consumption, and have attracted interest from international enterprises. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate Taiwan’s transition from fundamental research toward technological realization and industrial application.
At the same time, Taiwan continues to deepen international engagement through collaborative research programmes and talent‑exchange initiatives that accelerate the commercialisation of innovation outcomes. As I have often emphasised, no single nation can advance quantum technologies in isolation; international cooperation is an essential pathway forward.
Looking ahead, quantum technologies will not only represent scientific breakthroughs but also serve as a catalyst for industrial innovation and societal benefit. By integrating its strengths in semiconductor fabrication, IC design, and ICT with developments in quantum computing and quantum communications, Taiwan can cultivate new application models and further reinforce its position in the global value chain. Achieving this vision will require cross-domain collaboration, sustained investment, and long-term talent development to establish a comprehensive innovation ecosystem spanning fundamental research to industrial deployment.
Just as Taiwan once seized the opportunity presented by semiconductors to secure a leading global position, we must now embrace the quantum wave with equal determination. This publication not only consolidates major domestic and international insights and trends, but it also highlights Taiwan’s efforts and accomplishments in quantum technology. More importantly, it has aimed to build consensus among government, industry, academia, and research institutions, thereby sparking new pathways of innovation and cooperation. Through these collective efforts, Taiwan can demonstrate its steadfast progress in the quantum era and jointly shape a new chapter in the global technological landscape.
