'Jiuzhang 4.0' wins leading science and technology award at 2026 WIC

A total of 20 projects, including the "Jiuzhang 4.0" programmable photonic quantum computing prototype, won the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Leading Science and Technology Awards at a ceremony held on Monday in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province.

The winning projects span three categories: two achievements in basic research, 10 in key technologies and eight in engineering and development.

Other recognized achievements include optical transmission technologies and applications for space-based quantum information, as well as an intelligent vehicle agent technology platform designed for physical AI.

The award-winning projects span a range of cutting-edge fields, including quantum computing, AI, aerospace information and agent-based productivity platforms. They reflect key trends in technological innovation, characterized by AI-driven development, the integration of the digital and real economies, and strengthened technological foundations.

The WIC Leading Science and Technology Awards are an international award recognizing achievements in internet-related science and technology. They aim to recognize cutting-edge technological advances worldwide and promote international exchanges and cooperation in internet technologies.

This year's awards attracted more than 430 submissions from 43 countries and regions.