In recognition of its steadfast commitment to building Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has received a major research grant from Barzan Holdings, Qatar’s leading industrial defense provider. The grant has a monetary value of $10 million and will be used towards implementing a national initiative on quantum computing. 

The grant is set to fund the establishment of the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), and the new center will be equipped with its own team of experts as well as the necessary resources to carry out impactful and innovative research in relevant areas related to quantum computing, quantum cryptography and quantum artificial intelligence (AI). 

Commenting on this, Dr. Saif Al-Kuwari, Assistant Professor at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, who has been awarded the grant, said: “HBKU is committed to advancing Qatar’s human, economic, social, and environmental development. These areas are pivotal to our research and education mission. The grant is a clear recognition of HBKU’s research strengths in innovative technologies and we are very proud to collaborate with Barzan Holdings and to receive this funding.”

Dr. Al-Kuwari added: “We will use our expertise and resources to implement this important national initiative on quantum computing. Our collaboration will enhance our respective roles in helping to secure the strategic future of Qatar and its position as a global player in emerging technologies.”

At the College of Science and Engineering’s Division of Information and Computing Technology, innovative research and large-scale research projects drive significant international contributions in big data analytics and machine learning, AI, computer vision, quantum computing, and other areas. Innovative, multidisciplinary applied computing research tackles critical computing challenges that address national and global priorities for growth and development.