A revolution is coming in computing – not a paradigm shift, but a new paradigm that will complement the classical computing infrastructure of today's science, society, technology, and economy. Quantum computing is not yet a practical, reliable, or cost-effective technology rivaling classical computing for many (if any) purposes, but it is already a tantalizing object of study – quantum hardware, quantum software, quantum algorithms, and their beneficial implications for the sustainable future of humanity.
Furthermore, no organization, company, or nation can afford to be without "quantum sovereignty." Q-day is coming when gate-based quantum processors boasting approximately 5000 logical qbits will apply Shor's algorithm to break RSA 2048 encryption, exposing communications that have not been migrated to post-quantum cryptography. Well before Q-day arrives, such quantum technologies (decryption and post-quantum encryption) will be embargoed. Those left on the outside will rue the years lost in getting ready and training the quantum workforce. Therefore, we at KAUST are getting started by gathering regularly to report on our readings of developments in quantum computing and to hear from vendors and early users.
This website carries our announcements and points to our online resources.
Meet approximately every other week for an hour, with the possibility of joining by video conference.
Courtesy of Dr. Samar Aseeri, who will co-organize the group, these readings are available at https://github.com/samaraseeri/project_downloads. They include descriptions of high-level Saudi expectations, a global market analysis, an assessment of the crossover point of classical to quantum advantage, an introduction to quantum computing technologies, and introductions to numerous topics from the quantum computing perspective in physics, chemistry, optimization, cryptanalysis, finance, and machine learning.
Register at https://forms.gle/A3qSSnLgRRRHWVBA7
Besides quantum computation, the Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) include quantum sensing and quantum communication. These other two domains of QIS are significantly more mature than quantum computation. They have their own constituent communities at KAUST and it is likely that enquirers from these other areas can find intellectual resources and group meetings to consider joining already.
In October 2023, three commercial quantum computing companies ran orientation sessions at KAUST, in person or by teleconference, and several other such companies have recently expressed interest in helping to develop the KAUST quantum computing ecosystem. These sessions were well received, but probably failed to reach some interested members of the community. The Quantum Computation Reading Group (QCRG) will provide a nucleus for publicity of future such sessions.
KAUST's Shaheen-3 is a hardware platform that will be able to emulate up to an estimated 50 reliable qbits for quantum algorithm development.
Many quantum technologies, including quantum computing, are listed in the Saudi Arabia's Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) "Economies of the Future" Pillar.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the World Economic Forum's Quantum Economy Hub. According to https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/04/towards-saudi-blueprint-robust-quantum-economy/, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a national strategic plan that aims to diversify the country's economy beyond oil and transform its society into a vibrant, ambitious society. While still in its early stages, the field of quantum technologies holds immense potential to contribute significantly to these ambitious goals.
Quantum technologies and applications hold tremendous potential to revolutionize various sectors, such as finance and logistics, healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and energy.
Professor David Keyes, convenor
Dr. Samar Aseeri, co-convenor and facilitator