Saudi Aramco and Pascal both aim to use quantum computing to discover new use cases, and the two companies are seeking to establish a research center in the Kingdom to develop quantum algorithms.
She declared Aramco Saudi Arabia, announced the signing of an agreement with Pascal Company, the global leader in the field of neutral atomic quantum computing, to install the first quantum computer in the Kingdom.
This agreement aims to install, maintain and operate the first quantum computer with a capacity of 2000 qubits, in the Kingdom, which is scheduled to begin operation in the second half of 2025.
Both Saudi Aramco and Pascal are seeking to benefit from quantum computing to identify new use cases. The two companies adopt an ambitious vision to establish a quantum research center within the Kingdom, with the aim of enhancing achievements in the development of quantum algorithms, which is a crucial step to unlock the true potential of quantum computing.
The quantum computer that will be installed in the Kingdom is scheduled to follow an “analog mode” approach initially, and will later be upgraded to a hybrid “analog-digital mode,” which provides more complex and effective uses of the technology.
Regarding this strategic cooperation, the Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Saudi Aramco, Ahmed Al-Khowaiter, confirmed that this partnership reflects the company’s vision of adopting new and influential technologies to achieve leadership in the energy sector.
Al-Khowaiter pointed out the importance of using advanced technologies such as quantum computing to support digital transformation and improve performance, stressing that their goal is to pioneer the use of quantum computing in the energy sector. He added that the agreement with Pascal will enable them to benefit from the expertise of one of the pioneers in this field, and they will continue their efforts to reach the latest solutions in their business.
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For his part, CEO and co-founder of Pascal, Georges Olivier Raymond, spoke about the importance of quantum computing in real-world applications, pointing out that the current era is witnessing a tremendous development in the field of quantum computing, as it is no longer limited to theory, but is moving to real-world applications, This allows organizations to overcome challenges that were previously intractable.
Raymond pointed to Pascal’s efforts in developing tangible quantum computing algorithms that meet customer needs, expressing his optimism in the company’s contribution to accelerating the technical transformation in the Kingdom. He stressed that the quantum computer that will be installed will not be just an ordinary device, but rather will be the most powerful tool available for industrial uses, opening new horizons for innovation in business and society.
The agreement is expected to contribute to strengthening Pascal’s activity in the Kingdom, as the company opened its main office in 2023. This agreement comes after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two companies in 2022 to cooperate in quantum computing applications and capabilities in the energy sector. Waed Ventures, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, also participated in the “Pascal” fundraising round in 2023.
