Advancing from theoretical foundations toward practical implementation, quantum technologies are achieving a critical stage of usability and scalability after a century of scientific progress. When combined with the rapid breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, quantum technologies have emerged as a central driver of new opportunities for future industries. Recognizing this transformation, ITRI’s Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center (ISTI) dedicates its 2025 annual publication, Infinite Quantum: A Century of Quantum, Shaping the Next Era, to examining global trends and Taiwan’s strategic positioning. The publication explores how quantum technologies may shape the technological ecosystem toward 2035, identifies opportunities for Taiwan’s industries, and outlines the role ITRI can play at this pivotal moment.

With long‑standing support from the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), Ministry of Economic Affairs, ITRI has sustained close collaboration with Stanford University through an innovation exchange and partnership framework. In 2017, following the global AI momentum sparked by AlphaGo, ITRI invited the teaching team of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP), including program lead Professor Chuck Eesley, as well as Professor Silvio Savarese, then Director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL), to Taiwan for in-depth discussions on AI development and industrial opportunities. In 2018, ITRI once again brought together Professor Eesley, Professor Jelena Vuckovic of Stanford School of Engineering, and Dr. Matthew Reagor, then Director of Engineering at Rigetti Computing, for exchanges on next-generation semiconductor innovation driven by AI, including cutting-edge developments in silicon photonics and quantum technologies. These forward‑looking engagements deepened Taiwan’s understanding of the convergence between AI and quantum technologies and laid important groundwork for shaping the nation’s technology directions toward 2035.

Advances in quantum technologies are expected to trigger a paradigm shift in computation. Progress in quantum control, error correction, and system scalability points to the emergence of computational capabilities that may surpass those of classical architectures. According to international research organizations, quantum technologies have the potential to create economic value exceeding a trillion dollars across various sectors, including energy materials, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial technology, as well as transportation and logistics, by the year 2035. When empowered by AI, quantum technologies are positioned to become a decisive driver of industrial transformation.

Quantum technologies are closely linked to global industrial configurations and technological sovereignty. Major economies, including the United States, the European Union, China, and Japan, have incorporated quantum development into national strategies, allocating significant investment and policy resources to secure future leadership. Quantum cryptography and quantum communications are emerging as critical concerns in national security and cybersecurity, reinforcing the strategic importance of the field. At the same time, international cooperation and governance mechanisms are evolving, with increasing emphasis on cross-border standards, ethical frameworks, and talent programs to ensure that quantum technologies advance upon a foundation of security and sustainability.

Within the global transition toward quantum technologies, Taiwan possesses several unique advantages. Regardless of whether quantum computing architectures are based on superconducting circuits, trapped ions, or photonic platforms, they require advanced semiconductor fabrication, cryogenic packaging, communication technologies, and system integration. Taiwan’s strong semiconductor and ICT industries therefore position the nation to become an essential partner and manufacturing hub within the global quantum ecosystem.

ITRI can function as a central catalyst for the industrialization of quantum technologies in three key domains:

• Industrial technology development: Focusing on quantum materials and cryogenic systems, ITRI integrates Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging capabilities to support domestic and international research teams in accelerating the validation of quantum prototypes.
• Industrial application development: ITRI collaborates with enterprises globally to explore practical applications of quantum algorithms in areas such as drug discovery, smart manufacturing, and financial computing.
• International standards participation: ITRI actively engages with organizations including IEEE, ETSI, ITU‑T, and ISO, enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and role in quantum governance and ecosystem building.

Through these efforts, ITRI’s role extends beyond technical support to that of a facilitator linking government, industry, academia, and research institutions. This work contributes to the establishment of forward‑looking policy frameworks and collaborative platforms that can elevate Taiwan from a “technology manufacturing base” to an “innovation application hub” within the global quantum value chain.

Looking ahead to 2035, as the convergence of AI and quantum technologies becomes increasingly tangible, global industries are poised to undergo a profound paradigm shift. Taiwan’s ability to seize this opportunity will not only strengthen its industrial competitiveness but also enable it to contribute distinctive value to international collaboration. It is my hope that this publication will integrate global perspectives with Taiwan’s local experience, stimulate greater investment, research, and policy attention devoted to quantum technologies, and unlock new possibilities for Taiwan as the world approaches a new century of quantum innovation.