China’s Third-Generation Quantum Computer Comes Online

Origin Quantum Computing Technology, based in Hefei, China, has put its third-generation Origin Wukong quantum computer into operation.

It features the 72-qubit Wukong superconducting quantum chip, developed entirely in China. It has 198 qubits in total, comprising 72 computational qubits and 126 coupler qubits.

IBM and Google are among the quantum developers that also use superconducting qubits. Last November, IBM launched its 433-qubit Osprey, the world’s fastest quantum computer to date. 

A spokesperson for the Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center said the Origin Wukong quantum computer is integrated with a third-generation control system that enhances its overall operational efficiency.

China is facing a challenge maintaining its place among the countries leading quantum technology breakthroughs due to sanctions and bans on the export of goods and expertise. Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Baidu have both recently abandoned their quantum research, donating their equipment and labs to research.

Origin Quantum announced plans to launch Wukong in June 2023. At the time, general manager Zhang Hui said China lags behind the U.S. in developing superconducting chips and conventional semiconductors, but China leads on patents and papers registered.

Related:China Plans to Launch 72-qubit Quantum Computer

Quantum technology was one of the emerging industries that China’s Central Economic Work Conference prioritized in December 2023, urging renewed efforts on industrial innovations.

Wukong's name was inspired by Sun Wukong, the monkey king of Chinese myth, who can change into 72 different forms, each with unique powers.