In recent years, the term quantum has increasingly become synonymous with frontier technologies. Quantum computers, once confined to the realm of science fiction, are now rapidly advancing from laboratory research toward practical application. They are widely regarded as the most likely technological wave to drive profound societal transformation in the post–artificial intelligence era. This acceleration is driven by several key factors. First, conventional silicon-based computing architectures are approaching the physical limits imposed by Moore’s Law, constraining further performance gains. Second, quantum algorithms, most notably Shor’s algorithm, pose potential risks to existing public-key cryptographic systems, drawing heightened attention from governments and major technology firms. Third, sustained progress in experimental techniques has enabled increasingly precise control over quantum phenomena, positioning quantum technologies at the center of intensifying global technological competition.
In 2016 , IBM launched the IBM Quantum Experience (often referred to as IBM Q Experience), enabling researchers worldwide to access and operate real quantum computers through cloud platforms and marking the emergence of what is widely described as the second quantum revolution. This milestone was followed by Google’s announcement of “quantum supremacy,” Microsoft’s introduction of Azure Quantum, and Amazon’s launch of the Braket service, which integrates multiple quantum hardware providers. Together, these developments have significantly intensified competition in cloud‑based quantum services. At the same time, a growing number of start‑ups have entered the field, gradually shaping the emerging quantum industry. In parallel, governments have launched national‑level initiatives: the United States and the European Union have committed substantial resources to research infrastructure and talent development, while China has achieved notable progress in quantum communications and networking.
A New Phase in Taiwan’s Quantum Technology Development: From National Strategy to Industrial Practice
Despite being a latecomer to the field, Taiwan has rapidly scaled up its engagement in quantum technologies in recent years. The National Science and Technology Council has launched a flagship quantum technology program focusing on applications in quantum computing, communications, and sensing, and is working with the Ministry of Education to promote applied research, inter‑university collaboration, and talent development. Academia Sinica has expanded its Southern Campus into a national‑level quantum research base, integrating software and hardware development with experimental platforms. On the industrial side, organizations such as the National Chung‑Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the Institute for Information Industry, and key ICT companies have begun investing in the research and development of quantum components and system integration. In parallel, several universities have established dedicated quantum research centers to strengthen Taiwan’s foundational capabilities in quantum science and technology. Overall, Taiwan is seeking strategic entry points into quantum technologies by leveraging its existing strengths, while recognizing the need for deeper industry–academia collaboration and sustained long‑term investment.
Hon Hai Technology Group’s Strategic Choice: Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing
While the Taiwan Quantum National Team has targeted across 17 key technical areas including superconducting qubits, semiconductor‑based qubits and devices, and photonics, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), as one of Taiwan’s iconic enterprises in technology and precision manufacturing, has pivoted towards a distinct and promising alternative: trapped-ion quantum computing. Ions used as qubits offer intrinsic uniformity, long coherence times, and high logical fidelity. Through laser cooling, ion-trap systems can achieve low-temperature operation without the need for complex cryogenic refrigeration, presenting advantages in system stability and scalability. Internationally, companies such as IonQ and Quantinuum represent leading ion-trap platforms, with Quantinuum’s Model H2 demonstrating notable advances in logical qubit counts and computational capability relative to other quantum computing architectures.
What Is Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing?
Ions are charged particles typically formed by removing one of the outer‑shell electrons from neutral atoms. The most widely used ion‑trap technique is the Paul trap, which employs a combination of radio‑frequency (RF) and static electric fields to generate an effective potential well that confines ions. Under laser cooling, multiple ions can be assembled into stable linear or two‑dimensional arrays. Laser beams are then used to manipulate and read out the quantum states of individual ions, as well as to implement logical operations between qubits. Quantum computers execute complex algorithms through programmed instructions, with quantum compilers and control systems translating high-level commands into precise physical‑layer control of laser parameters.
Hon Hai Technology Group’s Strategy and Implementation
At the end of 2021, the Hon Hai Research Institute (HHRI) formally established its Trapped Ion Quantum Computing Laboratory, becoming one of the first industrial players in Taiwan to invest in quantum computer R&D. This decision is based on the strong synergy between Foxconn's core competencies and ion trap technology. With extensive experience in semiconductor manufacturing, optical components, precision machinery, and ICT, the company can provide the high‑level integration capabilities required for ion trap quantum computers. In parallel with hardware development, the Institute has invested in quantum algorithms, cryptography, and error correction, emphasizing vertical integration from hardware layers to application development. The laboratory aims to deliver a 5‑ to 10‑qubit quantum computer prototype by 2027 for educational and research purposes, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s quantum technology ecosystem.
Application Potential of Quantum Technologies and Taiwan’s Future Blueprint
Owing to its fundamentally different computational paradigm, quantum computing is beginning to demonstrate transformative potential in specific domains. In artificial intelligence, quantum computing may accelerate model training and enhance decision-making efficiency, becoming a core engine of the intelligent era. Future applications, for instance, could extend to autonomous vehicles, enabling real-time environmental analysis and optimal path planning. When combined with precision quantum sensing, long-distance quantum networking, and distributed quantum computing, these technologies promise a future with enhanced information security and computational efficiency.
From the coordinated efforts of Taiwan’s quantum national initiatives, through sustained investment in fundamental research by academia, to concrete industrial practices by enterpises such as Foxconn, Taiwan is transitioning from an observer to a player in the global quantum revolution. While Taiwan’s strong semiconductor foundation provides a critical advantage, it does not guarantee a seamless transition into the quantum era. However, as quantum hardware continues to scale, semiconductor integration will once again become a decisive factor. By establishing quantum capabilities in component manufacturing, advanced packaging and testing, and system integration, Taiwan has the opportunity to further elevate its existing strengths and become a game changer. At the same time, mechanisms must be established to attract and cultivate talent with quantum‑native thinking, build cross-disciplinary know‑how, encourage start‑ups, and expand international collaboration and market engagement, ensuring that Taiwan secures a firm position in the global quantum landscape.
