A decade after the world's first quantum science satellite, Mozi, was launched, the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone has built a leading quantum technology industrial cluster.

The zone now hosts over 80 quantum chain enterprises, covering quantum communication, computing, and measurement. Key players include QuantumCTek, CIQTEK, and Origin Quantum, whose self‑developed Origin Pilot operating system became the world’s first publicly available quantum computer OS in 2026. According to ICV TA&K, Hefei ranks second globally in quantum industry strength, hosting three of the world's top 20 quantum firms.

At this year's Zhongguancun Forum, two companies based in the zone – Silicon Extreme and Moore Threads – came together to launch a platform integrating quantum, supercomputing, AI, and general computing, with full-chain autonomous control.

In 2025, the zone's GDP reached 152.2 billion yuan ($22.4 billion), a year-on-year growth of 6.1%, contributing to 10.7% of Hefei's GDP and 25% of its tax revenue while occupying just 1% of the city's land.

Beyond the quantum sector, the zone has built an aerospace cluster of over 150 enterprises, including the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, which led the Tiandu satellite mission.

The zone features an industrial structure where new energy, AI manufacturing, and quantum serve as the leading industries, and commercial aerospace and fusion energy as the two future-oriented sectors. In early 2026, 16 projects worth 10.67 billion yuan were signed.

The zone has also launched the Returnee Town to attract overseas talent. With quantum computing vouchers and other policy tools, the zone aims to become a globally influential quantum technology hub.