Budget impasse halts Taiwan's first quantum-classical hybrid platform, undermining computing sovereignty - digitimes

Taiwan’s first quantum-classical hybrid computing platform faces indefinite delays due to a stalled NT$10.85 billion (US$345.3 million) 2026 budget for the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The funding impasse blocks critical infrastructure for AI, robotics, and quantum computing, undermining Taiwan’s strategic push for technological sovereignty in high-performance computing. Legislative review of the NSTC budget has not begun, leaving key projects in limbo amid political gridlock over fiscal allocations. The hybrid platform was designed to bridge classical and quantum systems, positioning Taiwan as a regional leader in next-gen computing—now at risk without timely approval. Analysts warn prolonged delays could erode Taiwan’s competitive edge in quantum research, forcing reliance on foreign alternatives and weakening national security capabilities.