Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) announced on April 14, 2022, that it had received a USD 10 million research grant from Barzan Holdings, Qatar’s state-owned defense and industrial provider, to implement a national initiative on quantum computing. The grant funds the establishment of the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) within HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering.
QC2 is the first dedicated quantum research center in Qatar. According to the university’s announcement, the center will be equipped with its own team of experts and resources to conduct research in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum artificial intelligence. Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Assistant Professor at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, was awarded the grant.
Barzan Holdings is fully funded by Qatar’s Ministry of Defence. A Barzan executive confirmed the partnership during Milipol Qatar 2022, stating the company had signed a deal with HBKU to sponsor the quantum computing project. The initiative is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its goal of transitioning to a knowledge-based economy.