Pasqal and KACST Partner to Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography in Saudi Arabia
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Neutral-atom quantum hardware vendor Pasqal and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have signed a strategic research collaboration agreement. Executed through KACST’s National Center for Quantum Technologies, this multi-year program integrates Pasqal’s quantum processing architectures and cloud platform with Saudi national research infrastructure. The partnership focuses on advancing post-quantum cryptography readiness, designing algorithms resilient against quantum-enabled decryption attacks, and generating robust encryption keys. Led by Dr. Talal Al-Sedairy and Prof. Manahel Thabet, the initiative connects Saudi researchers directly to Pasqal’s hardware pipelines. This collaboration builds upon Pasqal’s existing regional milestones, including a neutral-atom quantum computer deployment at Saudi Aramco’s Dhahran data center and a planned joint venture with Eleven Ventures. Announced in Riyadh during LEAP 2026, the agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by converting academic quantum research into commercial offerings for the Middle Eastern market, supporting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government networks.
💡 Why It Matters
- · This partnership accelerates the Kingdom’s transition to quantum-resistant encryption, securing critical national infrastructure against future decryption threats.
- · It establishes a localized commercial pathway for deep-tech innovation, directly supporting Vision 2030 goals.