King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has signed a research collaboration agreement with quantum computing company Pasqal to develop and validate quantum-safe cryptographic technologies in Saudi Arabia.
Announced at King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh during World Quantum Day, the multi-year programme will be led by KACST’s National Center for Quantum Technologies. Its initial focus will be quantum cryptography, with the partners combining Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computing technology and cloud services with KACST’s research infrastructure.
The partners plan to develop, test and package cryptographic solutions designed to remain secure as quantum computing advances. According to the announcement, the work could eventually support commercial offerings in the Saudi market.
The agreement expands Pasqal’s activities in the Kingdom. In May 2026, the company and Aramco inaugurated what Pasqal described as Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer at Aramco’s data centre in Dhahran, alongside a commercial Quantum Computing-as-a-Service platform. Pasqal has also announced plans with Eleven Ventures for a joint venture focused on deploying and scaling quantum computing systems across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
KACST said the partnership will strengthen national research capabilities and help translate quantum research into future applications. The collaboration adds a cybersecurity and research layer to Saudi Arabia’s growing quantum ecosystem, alongside hardware deployment, cloud access and commercialisation efforts.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
