King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has announced the launch of the Saudi Quantum Network (SQN) Alliance, a landmark national initiative designed to advance quantum communication research and significantly strengthen the Kingdom’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The initiative unites key government entities with leading technology giants, including Cybrani (a subsidiary of Aramco Digital), Salam, Microsoft, and Cisco. Together, the alliance aims to build an integrated ecosystem that enhances data security and accelerates Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambition to become a global hub for advanced technology and innovation.
A Strategic Public-Private Partnership
The SQN Alliance establishes a powerful new framework for collaboration between the public and private sectors in the Kingdom. It will pilot the development of a sophisticated quantum network, serving as a critical platform for building national expertise and technical capabilities in this emerging and transformative field.
Eng. Ibrahim Alshadokhi, CEO of the Internet Services Unit at KACST, highlighted the initiative’s collaborative nature. He emphasized that the alliance will pave the way for pioneering quantum communication experiments by leveraging the combined strengths of its diverse members.
Aligning with Vision 2030
Supported by the Saudi Research and Innovation Network (Maeen) at KACST, the alliance is strategically aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By enabling real-world quantum communication trials and integrating them with national research and education networks, the initiative directly contributes to the nation’s broader research, development, and innovation objectives.
The launch, which took place during the International Internet Day events hosted at KACST, signals Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to taking a leadership position in frontier technologies and scientific progress on both a regional and global scale.
About the Saudi Quantum Network Alliance
The Saudi Quantum Network (SQN) Alliance is a national initiative led by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). It brings together public and private sector partners to build a national quantum network, advance research in quantum communications, and fortify the Kingdom’s cybersecurity capabilities in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
