Alibaba & quantum computing 'dream team' build new laboratory in Shanghai

An Alibaba cloud computing subsidiary has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Aliyun signed the MoU Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai to co-found the Chinese Academy of Sciences – Alibaba Quantum Computing Laboratory (the Laboratory).

The new research facility aims to take the study and applications of quantum theory to the next level, heralding new technologies and platforms for information security, connectivity and computing.

Chunli Bai, president of CAS, and Jianwei Pan, professor and executive vice president of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) signed the MoU alongside Alibaba Group chief technology officer Jian Wang signed the MoU at the ceremony in Shanghai today.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Laboratory will conduct pioneering research in quantum theory with a focus on discovering new security techniques for eCommerce and data centers.

Both parties will jointly promote the research, development, dissemination and application of quantum computing to lay a strong and stable technical foundation for China, pushing the envelope on quantum computing.

Pan says, "The CAS - Alibaba Quantum Computing Laboratory, will undertake frontier research on systems that appear the most promising in realizing the practical applications of quantum computing."

"The laboratory will combine the technical advantages of Aliyun in classical calculation algorithms, structures and cloud computing with those of CAS in quantum computing, quantum analog computing and quantum artificial intelligence, so as to break the bottlenecks of Moore's Law and classical computing."

Jian Wang of Alibaba Group comments, "This investment in the development and application of quantum computing reflects the scale and clarity of our long-term vision to collaborate with partners in an ecosystem model towards the sustained development of the economy and society.

"New discoveries in information security and computing capacity based on quantum computing could be as significant in the future as big data technologies are today."

The laboratory will recruit scientists to build a "dream team" for quantum computing research.

The team will consist of internationally-recognized scientists who will strengthen the scientific community in China, and also put the laboratory on the world map for quantum theory with the publication of significant scientific research.

Established in September 2009, Alibaba's Aliyun develops highly scalable cloud computing and data management services for small businesses and large enterprise.