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Aramco Signs Quantum Computer Agreement With Pasqal
The partnership will see Pasqal install and operate the 200-qubit device in Saudi Arabia, with a scheduled deployment in mid-2025.
Aramco, one of the world’s leading companies in the integrated energy and chemicals sector, has signed a deal with Pasqal, a global pioneer in neutral atom quantum computing, to install Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer in the second half of 2025.
Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, explained: “Aramco is delighted to partner with Pasqal to bring cutting-edge, high-performance quantum computing capabilities to the Kingdom. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, we believe it is crucial to seize opportunities presented by new, impactful technologies, and we aim to pioneer the use of quantum computing in the energy sector. Our agreement with Pasqal allows us to harness the expertise of a leading player in this field as we continue to build state-of-the-art solutions into our business”.
The 200-qubit quantum computer will initially be set to a base-level analog mode. Within the following 12 months, the system will see upgrades (known as “analog-digital mode”), which will give it even greater computational power.
Pasqal and Aramco wish to leverage the quantum computer to establish a regional center for quantum research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to find new applications for the energy sector. The plans involve partnering with leading academic institutions to find breakthroughs in quantum algorithm development.
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Georges-Olivier Reymond, Pasqal CEO & Co-founder, stated: “The era of quantum computing is here. No longer confined to theory, it’s transitioning to real-world applications, empowering organizations to solve previously intractable problems at scale. Since launching Pasqal in 2019, we have directed our efforts towards concrete quantum computing algorithms immediately applicable to customer use cases. Through this agreement, we’ll be at the forefront of accelerating commercial adoption of this transformative technology in Saudi Arabia”.
The agreement forms part of Pasqal’s greater strategy and activity in Saudi Arabia after establishing an office in the Kingdom in 2023. During the same year, Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures also participated in a Series B fundraising round for Pasqal.