The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, previously known as Hefei Sci-tech Industrial Park, started its construction on Oct. 17, 1990, and changed into its current name in July 1992.

Thanks to over 30 years of efforts, the zone has made remarkable achievements in sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation. It gave birth to the world's first VCD player, and built the nation's biggest fuzzy control washing machine plant.

CAS Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics is located in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

In 2009, QuantumCTek, an enterprise specializing in commercialized quantum information technology, was launched in the Hefei high-tech zone, leading Anhui's development in quantum industry. At present, the zone is home to more than 60 quantum technology companies, including Origin Quantum and CIQTEK, with the number ranking first in the country.

As a national pilot project of future-oriented industrial zone on quantum information, the zone has made great efforts to advance quantum technology, and accelerated the large-scale deployment of the quantum industry to foster new quality productive forces.

In addition to quantum technology, the zone is also accelerating the development of other future-oriented industries such as metaverse and new generation of artificial intelligence.

According to local government officials, the zone follows a "2+3+X" approach to develop its future-oriented sector. The "2" refers to quantum information and aerospace technology where Hefei already boasts significant strength. The "3" includes next generation of artificial intelligence, fusion energy, and synthetic biology, where the city enjoys certain advantage. The "X" means to explore cutting-edge and disruptive technologies and look for new fields in future-oriented industries.

A campaign to cultivate enterprises with new quality productive forces was carried out recently in the zone. In 2026, the number of those enterprises here is expected to exceed 3,000.