Quantum computing technology has increasingly become a critical variable in the competition for future technological supremacy, yet its innovation pathways and development models remain inadequately clarified. This paper systematically examines policy reports and textual materials from recent years in the quantum computing domains of China and the United States, employing qualitative analysis to elucidate the current S&T innovation layouts and industrial development characteristics of both nations. From an innovation origination perspective, it comparatively analyzes the fundamental approaches of both countries in governmental policymaking, industrial innovation entities, and institutional mechanisms, thereby crystallizing distinct developmental pathway models. Research findings: The United States quantum computing presents an industrial development approach model with leading technology enterprises as the source of innovation, which is specifically “government guidance and support-innovation alliances dominated by leading technology enterprises-ecosystem cultivation based on existing advantages”. Conversely, China exhibits an academic-driven development model with top universities/research institutes as innovation sources, structured as “government strategic steering-innovation collaboration led by academic institutions-start-ups as the carrier of achievement transformation-application demonstration and scenario innovation by central state-owned enterprises”. Based on comparative analysis, the paper concludes with policy implications for advancing China’s quantum computing technology industry.