China Releases Origin Pilot Quantum OS For Global Developers
China's “Origin Pilot” Operating System Advances Quantum Frontier
China has released Origin Pilot, its first quantum computer operating system, for public download, changing the worldwide quantum computing landscape. The Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center released the release, a crucial step toward China's objective of controlling the “future industries” of the 21st century and technical independence.
Quantum Ecosystem's "Soft Heart"
Hardware, the processors and qubits that do computations, has long been the focus of quantum computing research. However, experts say hardware is not enough. Guo Guoping, head of the Anhui research center and Origin Quantum principal scientist, calls the operating system the “soft heart” of quantum computing.
A quantum operating system is more than a user interface; it controls vital functions. Origin Pilot schedules resources and ensures hardware and software compatibility, according to the research institute. Automating qubit calibration and allowing simultaneous quantum activities with the OS boosts system efficiency and brings quantum computing closer to real-world use.
Global First in Open-Source Access
Big computer companies like Google and IBM have led the quantum race, but their plans have primarily focused on private cloud infrastructures. The Anhui research center notes that these US corporations offer cloud services and quantum programming frameworks but do not supply their operating systems for download or local implementation.
Origin Pilot, the first open-source quantum computer operating system available worldwide, by Hefei-based Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co. breaks this. China's quantum economy is moving from “closed-door” technological innovation to an open-source environment with this verdict. Guo Guoping calls it a “key step in advancing coordinated national development efforts” to promote the efficient flow of innovative resources for academics and developers worldwide.
Technical Flexibility and Cross-Platform Integration
Origin Pilot is notable for its quantum-classical-intelligent architecture. Because it's hardware-agnostic, the OS supports the industry's leading physical techniques. This includes:
Qubit superconductivity
Trapped ions
Neutral ions
Dou Menghan, the research team director, said the OS lets users quickly interact with quantum processors of diverse physical types. Developers can use autonomous programming frameworks like QPanda to do quantum computing on physical quantum devices. This supports advanced academic research and commercialization. Origin Pilot helps new developers overcome basic quantum software technological challenges with a standardized driver system and programming interface.
Strategic Alignment: 15th 5-Year Plan
Starting Origin Pilot is part of China's economic goal, not a standalone achievement. The Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for National Economic and Social Development prioritize quantum technologies.
Quantum technology is one of six “industries of the future” with strategic importance, disruptive potential, and foresight. These industries are supposed to boost economic growth:
The quantum technology
Biomanufacturing
Power from hydrogen and fusion
Brain-computer interfaces
Embodied AI
Mobile 6G communications
Guo Guoping said quantum computing is now outside the lab. It is a national key technology entering industrialization and real-world implementation. To encourage collaborative innovation, Chinese-developed quantum operating systems should be available to research institutes, academic institutions, and private developers worldwide.
Legend of “Origin Wukong”
Origin Pilot's software is running on cutting-edge hardware. The Origin Wukong series, China's third-generation superconducting quantum computer, runs the OS. Origin Wukong has marketed its application services internationally and found financial success in China.
This hardware-software combo is powerful. China's latest superconducting quantum computers solve mathematical problems 450 million times faster than the world's most powerful ordinary supercomputers, according to reports. Developing quantum supply chains from “lab research” to industrial application depends on this performance level.
Building a Global Quantum Community
China invites scientists worldwide to download Origin Pilot for its quantum adventure. The Anhui research center claims that this open-download paradigm will help universities and research institutes worldwide overcome the “development barriers” that have slowed quantum environment expansion.
As the 15th Five-Year Plan begins, frontier technology development of new growth engines remains a top goal. Launching Origin Pilot ensures that China is creating the “steering and control systems” (operating system) and “engines” (quantum hardware) needed to navigate the quantum era.
