China's 15th Five-Year Plan Prioritizes Quantum Advancement
China has officially designated quantum technology as a key 'future industry' within its 15th Five-Year Plan, which spans from 2026 to 2030. This strategic inclusion, set to be formally adopted in March 2026, underscores an elevated economic role for the sector and marks a significant shift in national development priorities.
The plan positions quantum technology as the first among seven 'future industries' identified as new economic growth points, alongside areas such as biomanufacturing, hydrogen and fusion energy, brain-computer interfaces, embodied intelligence, and 6G mobile communications. This prioritization signals a move beyond foundational research towards a robust commercialization push, supported by government procurement, manufacturing subsidies, and application deployments.
Substantial Investments Fueling Quantum Sector Growth
To accelerate this vision, China has committed significant financial resources. The National Venture Guidance Fund has allocated RMB 121.8 billion (US$17.5 billion) across three regional quantum-focused funds. These funds target specific areas: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei for quantum computing and sensing, the Yangtze River Delta for quantum communications and industrial applications, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao for commercial products. In 2024 alone, the quantum sector attracted RMB 46.27 billion (US$6.45 billion) in investment.
The market for quantum computing in China reached RMB 11.56 billion (US$1.61 billion) in 2025, demonstrating an annual growth rate exceeding 30 percent. The number of companies operating in this sector also saw a substantial increase, rising from 93 in 2023 to 153 in 2024. Forecasts project the market size to reach C¥25.646 billion by 2028.
Advancements Across Key Quantum Subsectors
China has made notable progress across various quantum subsectors:
- Quantum Communications: This segment currently dominates activity, accounting for approximately 60 percent of revenue. China operates the world's longest operational quantum communications backbone, the 10,000+ kilometer Beijing-Shanghai trunk line, and 16 metropolitan quantum networks. The Micius satellite, launched in 2016, remains the world's only dedicated quantum communications satellite in operation.
- Quantum Computing: Commercial deployments include the Hanyuan-1 neutral-atom quantum computer, a 100-qubit system, which entered commercial sales in 2025. Superconducting quantum computing has also seen advancements, with systems like Zuchongzhi 3.2 (107 qubits) and Tianyan-504 (504 qubits) available via cloud platforms. Origin Wukong (72 qubits) is another significant development.
- Quantum Sensing: Applications are emerging in areas such as medical imaging, geological exploration, and industrial quality control.
- Quantum Operating Systems: Origin Pilot, developed by Hefei-based Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co., has been released as the world's first open-source quantum computer operating system available for public download, aiming to lower development barriers.
The cities of Hefei and Beijing have emerged as prominent hubs for quantum technology development.
Strategic Implications for China's Technological Future
The 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on quantum technology aligns with China's broader goal of achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. The updated Foreign Investment Encouraged Catalogue, effective February 1, 2026, now includes quantum computing R&D, offering preferential policies for foreign-invested enterprises in qualifying high-tech segments. This comprehensive strategy aims to solidify China's position as a global leader in quantum science and technology, reshaping its economic landscape and fostering innovation-driven growth for the coming decade.
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