20240521
Saudi Aramco has signed an agreement with Pasqal, a global leader in neutral atom quantum computing, to install the first quantum computer in Saudi Arabia. According to the agreement, Pasqal will install, maintain, and operate a 200-qubit quantum computer starting from the second half of 2025.
Aramco's Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation explained that Saudi Aramco's collaboration with Pasqal aims to bring advanced and high-performance quantum computing capabilities to Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the rapidly evolving digital landscape requires seizing opportunities provided by new technologies, with the goal of becoming a leader in the application of quantum computing in the energy sector.
Pasqal's CEO and co-founder Georges-Olivier Reymond stated that quantum computing is moving from theoretical concepts to real-world applications, enabling organizations to tackle previously insurmountable challenges at scale. Since its launch in 2019, Pasqal has been developing quantum computing algorithms directly related to customer applications. He noted that this agreement contributes to accelerating the commercial adoption of technological transformation in Saudi Arabia.
The quantum computer will initially use an approach called "analog mode," and within the following year, the system will be upgraded to a more advanced hybrid "analog-digital mode," which is more robust and capable of addressing more complex challenges.
Both Saudi Aramco and Pasqal aim to leverage the quantum computer for new use cases and have an ambitious vision to establish a quantum research center in Saudi Arabia. This center will include leading academic institutions to enhance achievements in quantum algorithm development, representing a significant step towards unlocking the true potential of quantum computing.
This agreement accelerates Pasqal's activities in Saudi Arabia, following the opening of its office in 2023, and comes after a memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in 2022 to collaborate on quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy sector. Saudi Aramco's Wa’ed Ventures also participated in Pasqal's Series B funding round in 2022.