Chinese researchers have trained a "classical surrogate model" designed to stand in for expensive quantum computers, according to Pandaily.
The idea, as reported by Pandaily, is to use a classical model — software that runs on conventional computing hardware — to replace quantum machines that are costly to build and operate. In other words, rather than running certain tasks on a specialized quantum computer, the researchers aim to reproduce useful results with a cheaper, more accessible classical approach.
Quantum computers remain rare, fragile, and expensive. They promise to solve some problems far faster than today's machines, but only a handful of organizations can afford to run them. A surrogate that mimics aspects of their behavior on standard hardware could lower that barrier, making quantum-related research more practical for groups without access to the real thing.
The available source provides only the broad outline of the work: Chinese researchers, a classical surrogate model, and the goal of replacing costly quantum computers. Pandaily's report frames this as a cost-saving substitute rather than a full replacement for quantum computing itself. Details on which institutions were involved, how the model performs, and the specific tasks it targets are not specified in the source material provided here.
Why it matters: if classical software can stand in for pricey quantum hardware on meaningful problems, it could widen access to quantum-style research and intensify the global race over who controls the next generation of computing.