Oil company Aramco has deployed the first quantum computer in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with France’s neutral atom company Pasqal. The quantum system, installed in Aramco’s data centre in Dhahran, is capable of controlling 200 qubits arranged in programmable two-dimensional arrays. It will be used to test advanced quantum algorithms and to explore industrial applications.
With this deployment, Aramco hopes to contribute to the development of expertise in quantum computing both within Saudi Arabia and the broader region, particularly in finding applications across the energy, materials and industrial sectors. As part of the partnership, Pasqal has also agreed to provide training and research opportunities to Saudi scientists and engineers.
Aramco’s relationship with Pasqal is not new, with the oil giant’s venture capital arm Wa’ed Ventures having been an early investor in the French startup. In January 2023, as part of Pasqal’s Series B round led by Singapore’s Temasek, the Saudi VC invested US$18 million – slightly more than 16% of the US$108 million raised during the round.
This latest announcement is also indicative of Pasqal’s strategy to rapidly expand and gain a foothold in different markets. In end October, the startup announced partnerships with various public and private organisations in South Korea, including with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
