KACST, Pasqal Strengthen Research Collaboration in Quantum-Secure Encryption

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) signed a research collaboration agreement with quantum computing company Pasqal to advance research and development in quantum technologies, strengthen national capabilities, and connect researchers in Saudi Arabia with leading global research ecosystems and expertise. The agreement was signed in the presence of President of KACST Dr. Munir Eldesouki.
 ‏The partnership was announced during the Quantum Forum, organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Saudi Arabia, an affiliate of the World Economic Forum, in partnership with KACST and King Salman Science Oasis, under the theme “Shaping the Future Quantum Workforce.”
 ‏The collaboration brings together Pasqal’s expertise in quantum processing with KACST’s research infrastructure to design and validate quantum-secure encryption solutions. The work will focus on developing robust cryptographic keys for both classical and quantum computing environments, with resilience against quantum-enabled attacks. The partnership also aims to advance these solutions toward readiness for the Saudi market under future commercial agreements.
 Senior Vice President for Research and Development at KACST Dr. Talal Alsudairy said the collaboration reflects KACST’s commitment to building strategic research partnerships with leading global technology organizations. He noted that such partnerships help strengthen national capabilities, enable Saudi researchers to conduct joint research and access advanced quantum infrastructure, and support the translation of scientific outcomes into future-focused applications that contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030.
 Pasqal Chief Executive Officer Wasiq Bokhari said the initiative builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in quantum technologies and marks a further step in expanding Pasqal’s presence in the region through Pasqal Arabia.