Taiwan Quantum Technology
Quantum technology is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the 21st century, and Taiwan is positioning itself as a key player in this transformative field. Building upon its strong foundation in semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan is actively investing in research and development to harness the power of quantum technology. U.S. companies focusing on quantum components, quantum computers, quantum algorithms, and quantum communication technologies, as well as the integration of these technologies, have great potential to collaborate with Taiwan industries and research institutes to foster cross-disciplinary innovation in quantum technology.
The Taiwan National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has prioritized quantum technology as a strategic focus, aligning with its broader Forward-looking Research Platforms. Since March 2022, the NSTC has collaborated with Academia Sinica and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to establish the National Quantum Team, a collaborative effort to accelerate Taiwan’s quantum capabilities, underpinned by a substantial investment of $259 million (NT$8 billion) in five years. The National Quantum Team includes representatives from the private sector, the Taiwan authorities, academia, and research institutions, totaling 72 subject matter experts and 24 companies. Taiwan is making long-term investments in quantum technology development and critical component manufacturing.
Notably, Taiwan introduced its first five-qubit superconducting quantum computer in early 2024. Recent advancements in quantum computing have further solidified Taiwan’s position on the global stage. Researchers from Taiwan have developed a photonic quantum computer that operates at room temperature, a significant departure from the cryogenic conditions typically required for traditional quantum systems. This breakthrough highlights Taiwan’s innovative approach and its potential to contribute groundbreaking solutions to the field.
Besides advancing Taiwan’s domestic quantum technology agenda, Taiwan authorities are also actively fostering international collaboration to strengthen its quantum ecosystem. In 2019, Taiwan NSTC endorsed the collaboration between IBM and National Taiwan University (NTU) to establish the IBM Quantum Hub at NTU, thus commencing the development of quantum technology in Taiwan. In June 2024, NSTC visited France and Finland and announced plans to procure a 5-qubit quantum computer from Finland. Initiatives like Quantum Taiwan serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and partnerships, underscoring the country’s commitment to developing practical and commercially viable quantum technologies.
As quantum technology continues to evolve, Taiwan’s strategic focus and investment in this area position it as a rising star in the global quantum landscape. Taiwan authorities and industry have shown their ambition to be a player in the global quantum industry ecosystem. With its robust semiconductor and manufacturing industry, strong research capabilities, and supportive policies, Taiwan is poised to make significant contributions to the development of quantum devices, components and applications.
Given Taiwan’s technology development goals in this industry, U.S. companies focusing on quantum components, quantum computers, quantum algorithms, and quantum communication technologies, as well as the integration of these technologies, have great potential to collaborate with Taiwan industries and research institutes to foster cross-disciplinary innovation in quantum technology.
For more information, please contact: Kelly Lee, Commercial Specialist, Kelly.Lee@trade.gov or connect with your local U.S. Commercial Service office in the United States to schedule an appointment for a consultation.