Baidu, one of China’s leading technology companies, has recently announced its decision to end its quantum computing research and donate its quantum computing lab and equipment to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (BAQIS). While the exact reasons for this move remain undisclosed, it is speculated that Baidu intends to allocate more resources and expertise towards the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which can provide more immediate benefits.
The Chinese quantum technology industry faces challenges due to the global nature of the supply chain, as it heavily relies on vendors located in the Western world for key components and materials. It is possible that this supply chain dependencies and the difficulty in obtaining necessary resources may have influenced Baidu’s decision to shift its focus away from quantum computing.
This follows a similar move made by Alibaba in November, where it shut down its own quantum research team and donated their equipment to Zhejiang University. With both Baidu and Alibaba now exiting the quantum computing field, it raises questions about the future direction and development of quantum technologies in China.
The specifics of the transition, such as whether the researchers who were working on Baidu’s quantum research will join BAQIS or pursue other opportunities, are yet to be confirmed. The donation of the lab and equipment to BAQIS signifies Baidu’s commitment to contribute to the advancement of quantum research in China.
As Baidu shifts its focus towards AI, it is expected that the company will further enhance its capabilities and expertise in this field. With the growing importance of AI in various industries, this strategic move positions Baidu to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in China.
The source of the article is from the blog rugbynews.at