On Dec. 5, 2024, Anhui province launched the "Tianyan-504" superconducting quantum computer equipped with the 504-qubit "Xiaohong" chip, as part of the province's efforts to foster "quantum+" industrial clusters.

The chip surpasses the 500-qubit threshold, setting a record for the number of qubits in a superconducting quantum chip in China. It is expected to rival the performance of international quantum computing platforms like IBM in terms of qubit lifetime, readout fidelity and other key aspects.

This quantum computer, developed by China Telecom Quantum Group and other two industry leaders, will be integrated into the "Tianyan" quantum computing cloud platform, making it accessible to users worldwide.

In May 2023, China Telecom Quantum Group was established in the Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone in Anhui province with a registered capital of 3 billion yuan ($409 million). Since then, the enterprise has focused on industrialization of quantum communications, and created more than 20 quantum products.

As a pioneer in quantum technology and the quantum industry in China, Anhui has achieved remarkable headway in quantum computing, quantum precision measurement, and quantum communications.

At present, the province is home to more than 70 quantum technology companies, supporting finance, chemical engineering, electricity, and other fields. These enterprises will continue to expand application scenarios, keeping the province stay ahead of the quantum industry.