Alibaba’s New Quantum Chief Scientist on Bringing Quantum Computing to Cloud AI

Joining Alibaba as Chief Quantum Scientist

Professor Shi Yaoyun, a former professor at the University of Michigan, has joined Alibaba Cloud as its chief quantum scientist, leading the Alibaba Cloud Quantum Computing Laboratory. He explains that Alibaba’s goal aligns with his own: to bring quantum computing to the cloud, using the cloud both to support quantum research and to serve as a future delivery channel for quantum applications.

Why Move from Academia to Industry?

After two decades of theoretical research in quantum information science, Shi decided to join industry to help quantum computing become practical. He felt that staying in academia was “paper‑talking” and wanted to contribute to real‑world quantum applications.

Alibaba’s Quantum Ambitions

Alibaba began quantum communication research in 2013 and co‑founded a quantum computing lab with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2015, becoming the first Chinese tech company to heavily invest in quantum information science. The company has filed dozens of patents covering quantum key distribution (QKD) algorithms, system architectures, cloud‑integrated QKD services, and trusted computing.

In May 2017, a collaborative effort involving Alibaba, the University of Science and Technology of China, Zhejiang University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences produced the world’s first photonic quantum computer that surpassed early classical computers.

Shi notes that major players such as Microsoft, Google, Intel, and IBM are also pouring billions into quantum research, and that Alibaba’s commitment is “unlimited” in spirit, focusing on talent and long‑term perseverance rather than short‑term spending.

Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence

Shi believes quantum computing can accelerate machine learning, optimization, and simulation tasks, but it is not a prerequisite for achieving strong AI. He likens its impact to the deep‑learning revolution, where increased computational power drives performance gains.

Challenges in Quantum Programming

Quantum programming languages are emerging to describe quantum algorithms, but ensuring correctness is far more difficult than in classical computing. Without robust algorithms, programming efforts have limited value.

Quantum Communication and Cryptography

The primary goal of quantum communication is secure key distribution. Commercial QKD products already exist, but long‑distance fiber transmission remains limited to a few dozen kilometers, requiring trusted relay nodes. Satellite‑based QKD and quantum error‑correcting repeaters are potential solutions.

Hardware Approaches

Current quantum hardware research follows five main paths: superconducting circuits, trapped ions, silicon quantum dots, topological qubits, and diamond‑vacancy centers. Shi compares the field to 1950s classical computing, noting that it is still unclear which technology will become the “quantum transistor.”

Zhejiang Lab (ZhiJiang Lab) Collaboration

Established on September 6 in Hangzhou, ZhiJiang Lab is a hybrid research institute focusing on network information and AI, built on big data and cloud computing foundations. Shi Yaoyun serves as one of its vice directors, emphasizing the innovative “dual‑core” model that combines Zhejiang University and Alibaba.