(Yicai) Nov. 21 -- Peng Chengzhi, a renowned quantum scientist who set up Chinese quantum information technology firm QuantumCTek, has been elected a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the country’s highest academic honor in the field of science and technology.

Peng was on the list of 73 newly elected members, which included 27 foreigners, released by the academy today. With their election, the CAS now has 908 domestic academicians and 173 foreign academicians.

Peng, 48, is a professor with the University of Science and Technology of China and has participated in a number of the country’s major quantum science research projects.

In recent years, China has been increasingly prioritizing quantum technology, which uses quantum mechanics -- the fundamental physics governing particles at the smallest scales -- to develop powerful capabilities in computing, sensing, and communication.

The recommendations for the country’s 15th five-year development plan, released last month, included plans for future industries for the first time and called for the promotion of cutting-edge tech including quantum technology, biomanufacturing, and nuclear fusion.

“The quantum technology industry is in a critical period of accelerated development and needs more young scientists,” an expert told Yicai. “We’re very glad to see that another scientist in the quantum field has been elected as an academician of the CAS, showing the country values quantum technology talent.”

Peng was a student of CAS academician Pan Jianwei and is a key leader in Pan’s team. He took part in China’s quantum science experimental satellite project Micius, and was responsible for the construction and operation of the ground station to ensure ultra-high-precision quantum communication between the satellite and the ground.

He also participated in the construction of the Beijing-Shanghai Trunk Line, the world’s longest quantum communication backbone network, and helped to create the world-class superconducting quantum computer Zuchongzhi 3.0 with Pan’s team.

Peng has also been successful in business, having founded QuantumCTek in 2009 to provide quantum communication equipment for the Beijing-Shanghai Trunk Line. He assisted with the company’s listing on Shanghai’s tech-heavy Star Market in 2020.

In July 2023, Peng resigned as QuantumCTek’s chairman and took up the position of chief scientist at the Hefei-based firm to continue to support its development.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Tom Litting