Led by Top Chinese Universities, Quantum Information Science Programs Experience a New Expansion Wave

As another Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) season approaches, numerous universities across China have released their approved lists of new undergraduate majors for 2026. Quantum Information Science has once again emerged as a highly sought-after strategic discipline.

According to incomplete statistics, ten prominent universities—including Renmin University of China, Sichuan University, Nankai University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Beijing University of Technology, Hunan Normal University, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, University of Jinan, Qingdao University of Technology, and Chongqing Normal University—have officially been approved to establish undergraduate programs in Quantum Information Science.

Notably, this expansion features exceptionally high academic caliber, adding four prestigious 985-Project universities and bringing the total number of Chinese institutions offering this undergraduate major to 27. This milestone marks an accelerated phase for national quantum talent cultivation.

Behind this strategic positioning lies precise execution of national policy. The 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly outlines the forward-looking layout of future industries, placing quantum science and technology at the top of its strategic industrial roadmap.

As quantum technology evolves from a scientific proposition into an industrial reality, universities—serving as the core strongholds for talent development and fundamental research—face a more critical mandate: enabling undergraduates to step beyond pure theoretical study and achieve hands-on, practical mastery using professional laboratory instruments.

Quantum Education: Moving from "Theory" to "Practice"

For higher education institutions, offering the major is merely the first step.

Quantum Information Science is a highly interdisciplinary field spanning physics, mathematics, optics, electronics, and computer science. Compared to traditional disciplines, quantum coursework is inherently abstract. If students remain confined to formula derivations and textbook theory, developing an intuitive understanding of the quantum world is difficult.

Consequently, a growing number of universities are prioritizing the construction of practical quantum experimental teaching systems.

Determining how to empower students to truly "see quantum," "understand quantum," and "manipulate quantum" has become a vital objective in building competitive quantum degree programs.

Currently, Jiuzhang Quantum has launched a series of educational quantum experimental platforms and course resources centered on quantum computing, quantum optics, and quantum communications:

• Quantum Computing Education: Students not only master fundamental theories such as qubits, quantum gates, and quantum algorithms in the classroom, but also assemble quantum circuits, execute logic gate operations, and demonstrate baseline quantum algorithms firsthand using educational quantum computing prototypes. Coupled with simulation software, students can visually track quantum state evolution, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice.

• Quantum Optics & Quantum Communications: Jiuzhang Quantum has introduced experimental teaching systems covering single-photon interference, two-photon interference, quantum entanglement, quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum teleportation. Quantum phenomena previously restricted to research papers and advanced labs are now entering undergraduate classrooms.

Figure 1: Jiuzhang Quantum Information Science Experimental Teaching System

Through visual and interactive teaching instruments, students directly perform optical alignment, parameter measurement, and experimental data analysis, gaining intuitive insights into foundational concepts such as quantum superposition, interference, and entanglement.

Compared to purely theoretical instruction, this "visualized, operational, and verifiable" teaching model helps students construct a comprehensive and practical cognitive framework for quantum mechanics.

Beyond Hardware: A Complete Educational Resource Ecosystem

Beyond experimental hardware, Jiuzhang Quantum has built a turnkey educational resource ecosystem customized for university curriculum requirements. The Jiuzhang Quantum Experimental Teaching Platform includes experimental textbooks, lab report templates, instructional videos, real-world case studies, simulation software, and faculty training programs—helping universities efficiently launch quantum lab courses.

Figure 2: Turnkey Educational Resource Ecosystem

Students go beyond routine lab procedures by recording data, analyzing results, and summarizing findings in alignment with standard scientific research protocols, fostering rigorous scientific thinking. For faculty, standardized course resources lower the barrier to building new quantum laboratories and significantly enhance teaching efficiency.

Currently, the Jiuzhang Quantum Experimental Teaching Platform has been deployed across dozens of universities in 16 provinces and municipalities, including top-tier 985-Project institutions such as Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Nankai University, and Northeastern University.

Figure 3: Jiuzhang Quantum coverage across 16 provinces and municipalities nationwide

Figure 4: Equipment delivery site

Figure 5: Quantum laboratory environment

While supporting undergraduate program development, Jiuzhang Quantum actively extends quantum education into K-12 foundational learning. In recent years, Jiuzhang Quantum has collaborated with research institutes to conduct quantum study trips and summer camps. By combining short lectures with real physical experiments, middle and high school students gain firsthand exposure to quantum technology and core principles. Additionally, Jiuzhang Quantum has established quantum science labs in over 30 secondary schools nationwide, driving the transition of quantum experimental education from university campuses into high school classrooms.

Figure 6: Quantum study trip program hosted by Jiuzhang Quantum

Conclusion

As an increasing number of universities establish Quantum Information Science majors, quantum education is officially entering a new era that places paramount value on practical capabilities and experimental teaching.

Looking ahead, quantum experimental platforms will serve not only as essential infrastructure for university academic construction, but also as a crucial bridge connecting fundamental research, talent cultivation, and industrial applications.

From "understanding quantum" to "building quantum," Chinese quantum education is stepping into a vibrant new era.