The joint quantum AI initiative of Shanghai is announced during a roundtable discussion at the 18th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai on Sept 21, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Focusing on AI quantum and quantum intelligence, a forum drew experts from home and abroad to discuss pressing scientific challenges and emerging opportunities in the field of quantum artificial intelligence, as well as to explore future industrial applications in Shanghai's Zhangjiang Science City on Sept 21.

Participants from countries, including China, the United States, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Singapore, engaged in academic presentations and roundtable discussions at the event, which was part of the 18th Pujiang Innovation Forum. Their key topics included the intersection of AI with atomic quantum computing, quantum information science, quantum circuit optimization, and the application of quantum algorithms.

While AI development is advancing rapidly, it increasingly faces limitations due to classical computational power constraints. Quantum computing, however, shows immense potential for overcoming these limitations, according to the experts. Researchers are actively exploring ways to leverage quantum computing to accelerate machine learning training, reduce computational costs, and enhance model expressiveness.

Scientists at the forum expressed optimism that with continued advancements in quantum hardware and algorithms, quantum AI is expected to revolutionize fields such as drug discovery and financial modeling.

During the forum, the joint quantum AI initiative of Shanghai was announced. This initiative comprises 12 research institutions, including Fudan University, the Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, the Shanghai Research Center for Quantum Sciences, and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, alongside several leading quantum technology enterprises. Li Xiaopeng, a professor from Fudan University's department of physics, said that over the next five years, the initiative will focus on interdisciplinary research in quantum AI, aiming to break through foundational theories, key technologies, and major applications while nurturing high-level talent in the field.

Additionally, the forum saw the release of Shanghai's top 10 quantum computing application scenarios, spanning sectors from electricity to finance, logistics, new energy, and biomedicine. These scenarios not only address practical application needs but also highlight the potential of quantum technologies to solve complex problems and drive future industrial transformation, said experts.

Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University, said that China is at the world's forefront of applying AI in fields like robotics and materials science.

"The progress in various electronic industries will undoubtedly stem from quantum technology. In this era of fast-paced technology development, we must have foresight and vision to undertake initiatives that will be leading even a decade from now," he said.