On June 30 in the Xuhui district of Shanghai launched a quantum computing development zone, Shanghai Quantum Computing Future Industry Incubation Zone, which included 26 companies in the first group. Support measures include up to CN 100 million ($14.7 million) for basic research and technological innovation, as well as CN 20 million ($2.9 million) for initial product installations. Additionally, subsidies for access to computing resources are possible for program members.

Xuhui is already one of the centers of artificial intelligence in Shanghai: StepFun AI, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and MiniMax are working in the area. The authorities expect to use the established AI cluster for the development of quantum companies, although the specific format of interaction is not yet described. Quantum technologies are included in China’s national priorities in the 15th Five-Year Plan 2026-2030, which encourages cities to form their own clusters.

According to SCMP, the Shanghai authorities have set a goal of increasing the number of quantum companies in Xuehuai to more than 100 within three years. By comparison, Hefe, one of the most developed centers in the sector, had more than 90 specialized firms last year. Recall that in June, China’s SpinQ Technology completed a round of RMB 1 billion ($147 million) Series D to develop fail-safe quantum computers.