Summary: Baidu, a leading Chinese e-commerce and services provider, has announced its exit from the quantum computing development arena. The company plans to donate its quantum computing laboratory and equipment to the government-backed Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (BAQIS). This move follows a similar decision by Alibaba in November. Both companies have been facing market struggles and are shifting their focus towards AI research and development.
Baidu’s decision to abandon quantum computing mirrors Alibaba’s move last year. Alibaba had invested approximately $15 billion in quantum computing research through its DAMO Academy research organization. However, the company has been grappling with broader market challenges, leading to a strategic shift towards AI R&D and addressing business issues. As part of the transition, Alibaba is redirecting its released employees to other positions within Zhejiang.
In a joint effort with BAQIS, Baidu had launched China’s first quantum computing intellectual property (IP) alliance in March 2021. This alliance aimed to facilitate IP cross-licensing and innovation in the field of quantum computing. Quantum computing is an emerging scientific field that utilizes the principles of fundamental physics to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of traditional computers.
There are diverging opinions regarding the reasons for Baidu and Alibaba’s quantum exits. While market struggles and a stronger focus on AI R&D have been cited as contributing factors, the decision to donate their equipment to government-controlled academic institutions suggests a potential shift in China’s policy towards tighter control over quantum computing and related scientific developments.
As Baidu and Alibaba shift their priorities to AI research and development, it may signal a changing landscape in the Chinese tech industry. The growing importance of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on various sectors could explain the strategic realignments undertaken by these e-commerce giants. While quantum computing remains a promising area of study, it appears that Baidu and Alibaba have chosen to prioritize investments that align more closely with the current market demands and trends in China.
The source of the article is from the blog revistatenerife.com