The Western Returned Scholars Association recently inaugurated its Overseas Returnee Town in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone in Anhui province, marking a significant step in the province's mission to become a global leader in quantum innovation.

Covering 24 square kilometers with a 10-square-kilometer core area, the town is designed as a magnet for high-caliber talent from around the world. It hosts research institutions and innovation platforms specifically tailored to the quantum sector.

In recent years, Hefei has vigorously promoted the integration development of technological and industrial innovation in the quantum industry. A complete industrial chain covering chip research and development, equipment manufacturing, and application scenarios has been formed. 

A number of world-renowned outcomes such as the quantum science satellite Mozi, a quantum communication line between Beijing and Shanghai, and the superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong have emerged.

Hefei high-tech zone is already home to 81 enterprises in the quantum industry chain, accounting for 81% of the total in the province. In 2025, the zone added 13 enterprises, and brought the total revenue of the industrial chain to nearly 5 billion yuan ($722.9 million).

According to the "Global Future Industry Index 2024" published by ICV TA&K, Hefei ranked second worldwide in the quantum industry just behind San Francisco. Among the top 20 global quantum enterprises, four come from China and three of them – Origin Quantum, QuantumCTek, and CIQTEK – are headquartered right in the Hefei high-tech zone.