KAUST Launches Quantum Foundry to Propel Saudi Arabia’s National Quantum Hardware Ambitions
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology opens advanced facility to accelerate quantum photonic design and fabrication as part of Saudi strategic technology expansion
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has established a Quantum Foundry, a cutting-edge research and fabrication facility aimed at accelerating the development of deployable quantum hardware and supporting Saudi Arabia’s emerging national quantum ecosystem.
The new Foundry integrates KAUST’s specialised capabilities in cleanroom fabrication, high-performance computing simulation and materials characterisation, enabling a closed design-build-verify loop that translates theoretical layouts into quantum-grade devices.
The initiative underscores Riyadh’s broader ambitions to build sovereign quantum infrastructure, enhance research-to-manufacturing pathways and develop hardware solutions applicable to secure communications, sensing and quantum control technologies.
The Quantum Foundry at KAUST delivers process design kits, baseline fabrication recipes and acceptance reports to ensure reproducibility and scalability for next-generation quantum components.
By bridging simulation, semiconductor-grade fabrication and multiscale metrology, the facility positions Saudi researchers and industry partners to compete in global quantum hardware development.
Access to the Foundry’s capabilities through shared workflows and training is designed to nurture local expertise while reducing dependence on overseas infrastructure.
The establishment of the Foundry is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s wider quantum strategy articulated in national planning documents and initiatives such as the Quantum Economy Landscape report, which calls for dedicated hardware innovation infrastructure to support research, commercialisation and workforce growth.
This strategy aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of technological innovation and economic diversification, reflecting growing investment in quantum research, education and partnerships.
Saudi Arabia has also hosted international initiatives and collaborative platforms aimed at building a coherent quantum ecosystem, leveraging institutions like KAUST and partnerships across academia and industry to attract talent and foster innovation.
With the Quantum Foundry now operational, the Kingdom is expected to accelerate the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready quantum technologies, reinforcing its position in the global quantum race and advancing national capabilities in critical technology domains.
The new Foundry integrates KAUST’s specialised capabilities in cleanroom fabrication, high-performance computing simulation and materials characterisation, enabling a closed design-build-verify loop that translates theoretical layouts into quantum-grade devices.
The initiative underscores Riyadh’s broader ambitions to build sovereign quantum infrastructure, enhance research-to-manufacturing pathways and develop hardware solutions applicable to secure communications, sensing and quantum control technologies.
The Quantum Foundry at KAUST delivers process design kits, baseline fabrication recipes and acceptance reports to ensure reproducibility and scalability for next-generation quantum components.
By bridging simulation, semiconductor-grade fabrication and multiscale metrology, the facility positions Saudi researchers and industry partners to compete in global quantum hardware development.
Access to the Foundry’s capabilities through shared workflows and training is designed to nurture local expertise while reducing dependence on overseas infrastructure.
The establishment of the Foundry is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s wider quantum strategy articulated in national planning documents and initiatives such as the Quantum Economy Landscape report, which calls for dedicated hardware innovation infrastructure to support research, commercialisation and workforce growth.
This strategy aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of technological innovation and economic diversification, reflecting growing investment in quantum research, education and partnerships.
Saudi Arabia has also hosted international initiatives and collaborative platforms aimed at building a coherent quantum ecosystem, leveraging institutions like KAUST and partnerships across academia and industry to attract talent and foster innovation.
With the Quantum Foundry now operational, the Kingdom is expected to accelerate the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready quantum technologies, reinforcing its position in the global quantum race and advancing national capabilities in critical technology domains.
