Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will gain access to a Dirac-3 quantum system, both on-cloud and with a physical installation within Qatar, through a new three-year Framework Agreement with Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), whose stock trades on Nasdaq as QUBT. The partnership focuses on joint research, executive education, and applications development, aiming to cultivate a quantum workforce in Qatar and accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies.
“Quantum technologies will have their greatest impact when they move beyond the laboratory and into practical applications that create measurable value for industry and society,” said Yong Meng Sua, CTO of QCi. The collaboration builds upon HBKU’s existing quantum capabilities, including Qatar’s first quantum-safe communication link.
HBKU and QCi Establish Three-Year Quantum Research & Education Framework
(QCi). This localized availability aims to establish Qatar as a regional leader in quantum technology development and application, extending beyond theoretical research into tangible infrastructure. The three-year Framework Agreement focuses on building a quantum-ready workforce through joint research initiatives, executive education programs, and the development of industry-specific applications. The partnership intends to bridge the gap between academic discovery and practical implementation of quantum solutions by addressing challenges faced by organizations seeking to use these emerging technologies.
HBKU and QCi will jointly pursue initiatives including technical workshops and quantum-focused events, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for innovation. This commitment extends to developing multidisciplinary academic programs designed to cultivate national research capabilities and drive collaboration with global institutions. QCi’s publicly traded status, with stock trading on Nasdaq as QUBT, underscores the company’s commercial focus as it expands its global reach through this partnership.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing quantum innovation through collaboration between academia, industry, and government stakeholders, the company says. “We are excited to collaborate with HBKU to advance research, educate future leaders, and explore real-world use of quantum computing, sensing, and communications,” Sua continued. “This partnership aligns directly with QCi’s mission to make quantum technologies accessible, scalable, and impactful for organizations around the world.” HBKU anticipates that the collaboration will contribute to the growth of the global quantum economy, fostering both research breakthroughs and a skilled workforce prepared to deploy them.
One of the most important factors in accelerating quantum adoption is helping business leaders understand where these technologies can create practical value.
Pouya Dianat, Chief Product Officer of QCi
Dirac-3 System Access Expands Qatar’s Quantum Computing Ecosystem
The installation of a Dirac-3 quantum system within Qatar, alongside cloud-based access, marks a step in establishing the nation as a regional hub for quantum technology development. This localized availability extends beyond simply providing computational resources. It aims to cultivate a self-sufficient quantum ecosystem capable of both innovation and practical application of these complex technologies.
The Dirac-3 platform itself is designed to tackle intricate optimization challenges, utilizing entropy quantum computing techniques that require minimal specialized expertise for deployment via the cloud. This collaboration directly addresses a critical barrier to wider quantum adoption: bridging the gap between academic research and real-world utility.
Pouya Dianat, Chief Product Officer of QCi, emphasized this point, stating, “One of the most important factors in accelerating quantum adoption is helping business leaders understand where these technologies can create practical value.” The partnership will actively engage executive education programs, equipping leaders with the knowledge to identify and capitalize on opportunities presented by quantum solutions. HBKU’s existing Qatar Center for Quantum Computing, which recently established Qatar’s first quantum-safe communication link, provides a strong foundation for these initiatives and demonstrates existing application of quantum principles.
Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of Qatar Center for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, highlighted the agreement’s broader impact on national innovation. “Through this agreement, we are creating new opportunities to further advance quantum research while building the knowledge and skills necessary to support the adoption of quantum technologies across Qatar’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.
This commitment to education and workforce development is intended to ensure Qatar can not only participate in, but also lead, the burgeoning global quantum economy.
Through this agreement, we are creating new opportunities to further advance quantum research while building the knowledge and skills necessary to support the adoption of quantum technologies across Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Director of Qatar Center for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University
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