2025 NSFC Major Research Plan: The Construction and Manipulation of the Second Generation Quantum System

2025 NSFC Major Research Plan: The Construction and Manipulation of the Second Generation Quantum System
2025年度“第二代量子体系的研究和操控”重大研究计划项目

May 16, 2025

Sponsor:

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)

About:

This major research project aims to conduct forward-looking and fundamental research in quantum information science by constructing and manipulating second-generation quantum systems that exhibit quantum behavior such as entanglement/superposition quantum states, promote mathematics, information, engineering and materials, chemistry, and other disciplines to cross-study for the realization of the quantum computer and other quantum technology to lay the physical foundation. Please refer to the official announcement for more details

Scientific Objectives:

This major research program aims to:

1. Explore and synthesize high-quality materials for quantum computing and sensing, enabling precise quantum state construction and the discovery of novel quantum systems.
2. Develop advanced techniques for quantum state measurement and control to improve precision and explore new methodologies.
3. Conduct forward-looking research on fault-tolerant solid-state quantum computing, high-temperature superconductivity, topological quantum systems, and low-dimensional quantum systems, aiming for major scientific breakthroughs.

Core Scientific Questions:

1. Controllable synthesis of key quantum-functional materials and precise construction of quantum state systems.
2. Experimental techniques and theoretical methods for precision measurement and control of quantum states.
3. Research on solid-state quantum computing, particularly superconducting systems.
4. Exploration of novel quantum computing architectures and implementation strategies.

Funding Scheme:

1. Nurturing Projects: around 10 projects, on average 600,000 RMB per project (direct costs).
2. Key Supporting Projects: 2 projects, on average 3,000,000 RMB per project (direct costs).
3. Integrated Projects: 6 projects, on average 6,000,000–7,000,000 RMB per project (direct costs).

All projects will have a funding duration of 3 years. The project period should be listed in the application as January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028.

Research Directions:

1. Nurturing Projects: Approximately 10 projects will be funded in 2025. Applicants are free to propose topics aligned with the program's scientific goals and core challenges.
2. Key Supporting Projects: Focused on cutting-edge, fundamental research in quantum computing physical systems. Two key areas will be funded:
   • Quantum Information Processing with Cold Atom Arrays
     Develop strong atom-photon coupling systems using atomic arrays and optical cavities. Achieve single-atom and single-photon level control, distributed photon storage, and directional transmission/reception of entangled atomic states. Create strongly coupled atom-photon matter states with spatial correlations at single-atom precision.
   • Novel Superconducting Quantum Devices Based on 2D Quantum Materials
     Investigate the control mechanisms of superconducting current in 2D materials to create low-power superconducting devices with transistor-like functions. Achieve tunable superconducting diodes and basic logic operations above 77K, and explore new superconducting pairing mechanisms.
3. Integrated Project: Six integrated research directions aligned with the program's overall scientific goals:
   • Entanglement, Simulation, and Error Correction in 100-Qubit Superconducting Chips
     Fabricate 100-qubit superconducting chips. Develop high-fidelity logic gates, deep quantum circuits (>1,000 layers), and demonstrate large-scale entanglement and quantum advantage. Conduct quantum error correction using surface and bosonic codes, and demonstrate fault tolerance using 3D cavity qubits.
   • High-Temperature, Zero-Energy Topological Edge States
     Design new magnetic topological insulators and heterostructures. Realize quantum anomalous Hall effect at liquid nitrogen temperatures and prototype quantum resistance standards. Explore quantum control methods in moiré systems and superlattices to achieve topological edge states at higher temperatures.
   • Majorana Zero Modes and Topological Superconducting Devices
     Develop and characterize topological superconducting materials and devices (e.g., Josephson junctions, nanowires). Use spatially resolved spectroscopy and magnetometry to verify Majorana characteristics. Create tunable topological devices to explore braiding and fusion of Majorana modes, and design feasible quantum gates.
   • Nickel-Based High-Temperature Superconductors
     Develop synthesis techniques for bulk and thin-film nickel-based superconductors with higher transition temperatures. Study external-field and heterojunction effects, control superconducting properties, map phase diagrams, uncover mechanisms, and explore device applications.
   • Integration and Control of Semiconductor Spin Qubits
     Produce high-quality Si/Ge-based quantum materials and devices. Achieve spin qubit coherence times ≥10 μs, single-qubit gate fidelity ≥99.5%, and two-qubit gate fidelity ≥99%. Demonstrate nanoscale, single-electron-sensitive quantum state detection and high-fidelity control of ≥4 qubits, along with representative quantum algorithms.
   • Quantum Computing, Simulation, and Precision Measurement with Programmable Atom/Ion Arrays
     Advance core technologies such as addressing, rearrangement, and high-fidelity logic gates. Demonstrate >200-qubit quantum simulation, adiabatic computing, and quantum error correction. Generate spin-squeezed and symmetrically entangled states for enhanced quantum precision measurements.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants should have experience in undertaking basic research projects;
2. Applicants should hold senior professional titles
3. Postdocs and graduate students are not eligible to apply
4. Refer to the 2025 Program Guide for requirements on allowable number of applications.

Application:

1. Select “Major Research Plan” as the funding category. Choose the subcategory (“Nurturing Project,” “Key Supporting Project,” or “Integrated Project”) based on your proposal. In “Additional Notes,” select “Construction and Control of Second-Generation Quantum Systems,” and choose the relevant application code. Collaboration is limited to 2 institutions for Incubation and Key Support Projects, and 4 for Integrated Projects.
2. In “Project Rationale and Research Content,” specify which 2025 funding direction your project addresses and how it contributes to the plan’s core scientific issues and overall goals.

If you are leading related projects, explain their distinction and relevance in the “Research Background and Working Conditions” section.

Important Dates: