Taiwan Sends 15 Rising Scientists Overseas in Bold Push to Build Quantum Talent

Taiwan is stepping up its ambitions in the global quantum technology race with a new industry-focused initiative designed to strengthen talent, research, and supply chain development.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has assigned the Industrial Technology Research Institute, better known as ITRI, to establish the Quantum Industry Technology Promotion Office. The new office is expected to play a central role in coordinating Taiwan’s quantum technology ecosystem, bringing together government resources, research expertise, and private-sector innovation.

As part of the effort, Taiwan has also identified dozens of companies as members of its emerging quantum industry supply chain. This move signals that the country is not only investing in quantum research but also preparing the industrial foundation needed to support future commercialization.

Quantum technology is increasingly viewed as a key strategic field with potential applications in computing, secure communications, advanced sensing, semiconductor development, and next-generation manufacturing. For Taiwan, which already holds a critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain, building a strong quantum sector could help extend its technological influence into another high-value industry.

The new Quantum Industry Technology Promotion Office is expected to help connect companies, academic institutions, and research organizations. By creating a more organized industry network, Taiwan aims to accelerate development, reduce fragmentation, and encourage collaboration across the quantum technology supply chain.

Talent development is also becoming a major priority. Taiwan is reportedly launching a quantum talent program that will send 15 selected participants abroad for advanced training and international exposure. The program is designed to give researchers and engineers access to global expertise, helping them bring valuable knowledge back to Taiwan’s growing quantum industry.

This international training approach could help address one of the biggest challenges facing the quantum sector: the shortage of highly skilled specialists. Quantum technology requires expertise across physics, engineering, computer science, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. By investing early in talent, Taiwan hopes to build a workforce capable of supporting long-term industry growth.

The initiative also reflects a broader global trend. Governments around the world are increasing investment in quantum technology as competition intensifies. Countries that can develop strong research capabilities, reliable supply chains, and skilled talent pools may gain an advantage in future markets driven by quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.

For Taiwan, the establishment of the Quantum Industry Technology Promotion Office could become an important step toward turning research potential into real-world industry opportunities. With ITRI leading the effort and a growing list of companies joining the supply chain, the country is laying the groundwork for a more complete quantum technology ecosystem.

If successful, Taiwan’s quantum strategy could support new business opportunities, strengthen national competitiveness, and position the island as an important player in one of the most advanced technology fields of the coming decades.