Hefei National Laboratory issued a national directive calling for research proposals under China's flagship quantum technology initiative, establishing strict operational rules and institutional caps to accelerate the domestic production of critical quantum materials, devices, and specialized equipment.
Securing domestic autonomy in critical quantum hardware is vital to Beijing's military modernization strategy, as quantum sensing, computing, and encryption directly underpin next-generation electronic warfare systems and unhackable defense communications.
The solicitation outlines guidelines for the 2026 first-batch key special projects under the National Key Research and Development Program, titled "Research and Development of Key Materials, Devices, and Equipment for National Quantum Technology." The program places Hefei National Laboratory in direct administrative oversight of project vetting and compliance reviews. To streamline execution, project consortia are capped at a maximum of six participating entities and no more than four subordinate research topics. A single project leader must oversee the entire initiative while simultaneously heading one of the sub-topics. In non-enterprise-led proposals, directives mandate the inclusion of at least one commercial enterprise engaged in high-end scientific instrument research, manufacturing, and market deployment.
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, research institutes, and enterprises registered in mainland China prior to Aug. 31, 2025, as well as pre-approved partner organizations in Hong Kong and Macau. Principal investigators must hold a doctoral degree or senior professional title, commit at least six months annually to the project, and be under 60 years of age. The directive appears to trumpet diversity, as it explicitly encourages the inclusion and leadership of qualified young researchers and female scientists.
To prevent conflicts of interest and resource hoarding, government civil servants, experts who participated in drafting the funding guidelines, and active researchers employed by Hefei National Laboratory are barred from leading or participating in project applications. Furthermore, researchers are subject to a strict cap limiting them to a maximum of two active or pending projects across all national key research programs and major scientific grants. The guidelines enforce rigid scientific output and data sovereignty protocols. At least 20 percent of all representative academic papers generated from funded projects must be published in domestic Chinese scientific journals. Consortia are also required to submit a comprehensive scientific data management plan and execute data transfer commitments prior to final performance evaluations.
Corporate lead applicants and funding partners face stringent financial scrutiny, requiring the submission of three years of audited financial statements, credit evaluations, debt disclosures, and legally binding commitments for private matching funds. Joint application agreements detailing intellectual property ownership, task division, and funding allocation must be signed by all participating entities.
Online submissions through the National Science and Technology Information System open Sept. 28, 2026, and close Nov. 5, 2026, with formal recommendations from designated regional or departmental authorities due by Nov. 10, 2026.
