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Two Aspiring Students Commute Weekly Between NTHU and ITRI: Aiming to Become the 'TSMC of Quantum Chips
Generative AI is flourishing but also faces a potential challenge: chip efficiency and energy consumption.
"Quantum computers can solve this problem," says Wei Chen Lin, a member of the Taiwan Quantum Bit Manufacturing Team (TQMC) and a PhD student in the graduate program of Quantum Technology and Advanced Materials at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), with a smile. Building a quantum computer in Taiwan has always been his dream, which makes him even willing to commute weekly between Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and NTHU to achieve it.
The TQMC, which Wei Chen Lin joined, is an ITRI team that designs and manufactures quantum computer chips. To accelerate implementation and commercialization, TQMC has joined the Department of Industrial Technology's TREE project (Project for Establishing/Promoting a Commercialization Ecosystem for Specialized Technology). Wei Chen Lin hopes to combine ITRI’s resources with his own knowledge to create a company in the future that will become the TSMC of the quantum computing industry.
"Deep Tech, referring to significant technological or methodological advancements in engineering and science, is crucial for Taiwan," stated Chiu Hui Chiu, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Technology. He expressed that the TREE project aims to foster more innovative technology startups in Taiwan. "Just like Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which resulted from previous investments in Deep Tech, we aim to replicate that success with the establishment of the next technological stronghold.”
Plying Between NTHU and ITRI: Harnessing Semiconductor Prowess to Bolster Taiwan's Future
Deep tech is a game that demands a high concentration of talent, knowledge, technology, and capital. It is challenging to implement quickly, and commercial applications may not be immediately apparent. However, once successful, it can lead to groundbreaking advancements for humanity. Examples include agrotechnology for plant-based proteins, blockchain architecture for more convenient internet services, nuclear fusion for new energy sources, and even deep learning.
Renowned consulting firm McKinsey considers quantum computing to be the most important and noteworthy deep tech field this year.
"I believe the importance of quantum computing lies in its ability to handle two bits of information simultaneously, unlike traditional computers that can only process one bit at a time as either 0 or 1. A quantum bit can process 2^n units of information," said Ming Hsuan Ho, a member of the TQMC team. He also mentioned that the exponential increase in computational power can bring significant value, such as breakthroughs in encryption systems, advancements in biopharmaceutical research, enhanced efficiency in generative AI computations, and reduced energy consumption.
Quantum computing has been a frequently mentioned technology in recent years, yet it remains largely theoretical. The biggest challenge is that large-scale computation requires densely packing quantum bits on a chip while minimizing interference between them, a physical limitation that is difficult to overcome. With the subtle geopolitical shifts between the U.S. and China, both sides have accelerated their investments in quantum computing, giving TQMC hope for breakthroughs."
To accelerate research, ITRI is collaborating with NTHU's Quantum Science and Technology and Advanced Materials Ph.D. Program and the Department of Physics at NTHU. They aim to combine talent in quantum computing with ITRI's equipment for joint development. Ming Hsuan Ho and Wei Chen Lin have joined the TQMC team to advance quantum computing by designing and manufacturing high-yield quantum chips. Currently, they are working with Oxford Instruments and ITRI, leveraging Taiwan's existing semiconductor strengths to continue their efforts.
"I've always been interested in the process of creating quantum bits, but I never thought I would venture into entrepreneurship," Ming Hsuan Ho said with a smile. "There is indeed a long way to go to realize quantum computing, and there's always the risk of failure and unemployment. However, I have no regrets. Becoming the 'first quantum chip startup' is a compelling vision, and I want to contribute to Taiwan's future.”
"This is something many startups in the U.S. aspire to do, but here in Taiwan, we are already able to start designing and manufacturing," Wei Chen Lin added. "This is where we have an edge over our competitors.”
Deep Tech as a National Security Pillar: Taiwan's Quest to Build the Next TSMC through Technological Innovation
By choosing a promising field and leveraging Taiwan's existing semiconductor industry strengths, TQMC has secured a strong competitive position. This is exactly what the TREE project is excited to see.
Chiu Hui Chiu explained that the full name of TREE, Taiwan Research Entrepreneur Ecosystem, reflects the goal of infusing these tech innovation teams with a business mindset. The aim is to shift from an engineering team mentality to a value-creation team ethos, thereby pioneering new industrial sectors and generating entirely new economic demands.
"The strength of the TREE team lies in their ability to build from the ground up with technology, creating high barriers to entry, unlike apps which are easily copied or face intense competition," Chiu Hui Chiu stated. "Technological innovation is a crucial form of entrepreneurship, not only driving profound societal changes but also forming a vital foundation for national security. Why is it so hard to replicate TSMC? Because of its high technological barriers. The name TREE also has another meaning—I hope these startup teams can deeply root their technologies in Taiwan. These teams could become the future pillars of our nation's strength.”
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