The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia initiated the Quantum Economy project to build momentum for a national quantum economy strategy and offers a case study that others can follow.
It has now released its inaugural report, Quantum Economy Landscape in Saudi Arabia, which analyzes the Kingdom’s current capabilities and reflects the dedication to understanding and leveraging quantum technologies.
This comprehensive report results from a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector.
These capabilities can lead to breakthroughs across multiple domains, including secure communication networks, advanced materials discovery, improved climate modelling and more efficient drug development.
Saudi Arabia’s quantum priorities span multiple areas, including talent development, research and development, hardware innovation, commercialization and raising awareness, reflecting a multi-faceted approach to building a robust quantum ecosystem.Developing a robust quantum workforce is critical for advancing research and commercial applications. Numerous Saudi universities and research institutions have established research centres and designed undergraduate and graduate curricula focused on quantum technology.
In parallel, the Kingdom focuses on the importance of government and industry collaborations in enhancing research in development.
By fostering an environment where research teams can experiment with advanced quantum algorithms, device architectures and cryptographic methods, the Kingdom aims to move swiftly from concept to real-world applications.
Various initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to harnessing quantum for industrial applications and economic growth:
– In May 2024, Saudi Aramco and Pasqal signed an agreement to deploy the first quantum computer in Saudi Arabia. In addition, Saudi Aramco has partnered with IBM to establish an innovation hub to explore quantum computing’s potential within the energy sector and beyond.
– NEOM and Arqit are collaborating on a quantum-based cybersecurity platform to safeguard futuristic cognitive cities from sophisticated cyber threats.
Such a facility would function as a central hub for on-chip quantum technologies, offering the infrastructure and tools essential for quantum research and development, including device fabrication and testing – ultimately expediting commercialization.
Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to quantum technology enhances its technological capabilities and aligns with its vision of economic diversification and leadership in emerging fields.
In addition, C4IR Saudi Arabia is supporting the Quantum for Society Challenge through the Forum’s UpLink platform. This challenge seeks innovative quantum-based solutions to address pressing societal and environmental dilemmas.
By encouraging startups, researchers and entrepreneurs to present their transformative quantum applications, the challenge underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to positioning quantum technologies as catalysts for sustainable development and social impact.
Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of public engagement and collaborative efforts in successfully integrating quantum technologies into its economy. The Kingdom has implemented several strategies to raise awareness and foster cooperation in this cutting-edge field.
For example, World Quantum Day 2024 in Saudi Arabia garnered significant media attention, highlighting the Kingdom’s active involvement in the quantum realm.
By cultivating a society that is knowledgeable about and receptive to quantum technologies, Saudi Arabia aims to:
– Create a fertile ground for future breakthroughs.
– Encourage innovation and adoption of quantum technologies across various sectors.
– Develop a skilled workforce capable of driving the quantum economy forward.
– Romanian National Quantum Communication Infrastructure – ”ronaqci.upb.ro”
– 12.02.2025: Organism Europol: ”Sectorul financiar european ar trebui să se pregătească pentru riscurile generate de computerele cuantice”(ro) – ”stiridigitale.ro”
– 08.07.2023: UBB Cluj lansează un program postuniversitar în Quantum Computing and Communication – ”stiridigitale.ro”
– 31.05.2023: Prima conexiune cuantică funcţională şi integrată din România a fost realizată de Univ. Politehnica din București – ”stiridigitale.ro”
– 30.05.2023: Proiect RoNaQCI – Primul nod funcțional din România de Comunicații Cuantice lansat la Politehnica București – ”stiridigitale.ro”
