Pasqal, a French developer of neutral atom-based quantum technology, and Saudi Aramco announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on February 8, 2022, to collaborate on quantum computing capabilities and applications in the energy sector. The announcement stated that the objectives included accelerating the design and development of quantum-based machine learning models and identifying use cases across the Aramco value chain.
As part of the project, Pasqal agreed to provide its quantum expertise and platform to develop new use cases. Both companies also planned to explore augmenting Aramco’s training programs with Pasqal’s quantum technologies. Pasqal stated it aimed to establish operations in the Middle East and grow its business in Saudi Arabia and across the region.
Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of Pasqal, called the initiative “a perfect opportunity for us to show not only the energy sector, but the entire world, what our technology can do.” Aramco was described as positioning itself as an early adopter of quantum advantage over classical computers within the oil and gas industry.