DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2024
/CNW/ -- Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and
chemicals companies, has signed an agreement with Pasqal, a global
leader in neutral atom quantum computing, to install the first
quantum computer in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
The agreement will see Pasqal install, maintain, and operate a
200-qubit quantum computer, which is scheduled for deployment in
the second half of 2025.
Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP
of Technology & Innovation, said: "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. It is also further evidence of our contribution to
the growth of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia."
Georges-Olivier Reymond,
Pasqal CEO & Co-founder, said: "The era of quantum
computing is here. No longer confined to theory, it's transitioning
to real-world applications, empowering organisations 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. This isn't just any quantum computer; it will be the
most powerful tool deployed for industrial usages, unlocking a new
era of innovation for businesses and society."
The quantum computer will initially use an approach called
"analog mode." Within the following year, the system will be
upgraded to a more advanced hybrid "analog-digital mode," which is
more powerful and able to solve even more complex problems.
Pasqal and Aramco intend to leverage the quantum computer to
identify new use cases, and have an ambitious vision to establish a
powerhouse for quantum research within Saudi Arabia. This would involve leading
academic institutions with the aim of fostering breakthroughs in
quantum algorithm development — a crucial step for unlocking the
true potential of quantum computing.
The agreement also accelerates Pasqal's activity in Saudi Arabia, having established an office in
the Kingdom in 2023, and follows the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding between the companies in 2022 to collaborate on
quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy
sector. In 2023, Aramco's Wa'ed Ventures also participated in
Pasqal's Series B fundraising round.
About Aramco
Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company. We
are driven by our core belief that energy is opportunity. From
producing approximately one in every eight barrels of the world's
oil supply to developing new energy technologies, our global team
is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do. We focus on
making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more
useful. This helps promote stability and long-term growth
around the world. www.aramco.com
About PASQAL
Pasqal is a leading Quantum Computing company that builds
quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays
to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address
real-world problems. Pasqal was founded in 2019, out of the
Institut d'Optique, by Georges-Olivier
Reymond, Christophe Jurczak,
Professor Dr. Alain Aspect – Nobel
Prize Laureate Physics, 2022, Dr. Antoine Browaeys and Dr.
Thierry Lahaye. Pasqal has secured
more than €140 million in financing to date. To learn more about
Pasqal, visit www.pasqal.com.
Disclaimer
The press release contains forward-looking statements. All
statements other than statements relating to historical or current
facts included in the press release are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements give the Company's current expectations
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including relative to peers. These statements may include, without
limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including
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"may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "can have,"
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the following factors: global supply, demand and price fluctuations
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and social instability and unrest and actual or potential armed
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matters, and other disputes or agreements; and other risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the
forward-looking statements in this press release, as set forth in
the Company's latest periodic reports filed with the Saudi Stock
Exchange. For additional information on the potential risks and
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results predicted please see the Company's latest periodic reports
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statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the
Company's present and future business strategies and the
environment in which it will operate in the future. The information
contained in the press release, including but not limited to
forward-looking statements, applies only as of the date of this
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person should construe the press release as financial, tax or
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forward-looking statements.
Aramco Contact Information:
@aramco
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