King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has launched the KAUST Quantum Foundry, a specialized program dedicated to the fabrication of reproducible and commercial-grade quantum hardware. Located in Saudi Arabia, the Foundry provides structured access to cleanroom facilities for prototyping and process development. The initiative aims to shift quantum device manufacturing away from bespoke, laboratory-specific methods toward standardized industrial processes that can be scaled for broader academic and commercial use.
A primary feature of the Foundry is the implementation of Process Design Kits (PDKs), which provide researchers and industry partners with a consistent framework for device design and fabrication. By utilizing these standardized toolsets, the facility distinguishes itself from general-purpose nanofabrication centers, focusing specifically on the unique requirements of quantum systems. The initial phased rollout is designed to support development across superconducting, photonic, and hybrid quantum platforms, providing the stable environments necessary for qubit performance and high-sensitivity sensing.
The Quantum Foundry is integrated into KAUST’s broader innovation ecosystem, including the National Transformation Institute (NTI), to facilitate technology transfer and early-stage commercialization. This infrastructure is intended to address complex scientific challenges in energy, health, and water security—areas identified as long-term national priorities for Saudi Arabia. By combining quantum simulation and sensing capabilities with existing artificial intelligence initiatives, the Foundry serves as a central hub for translating quantum research into functional industrial applications.
Read the official announcement from KAUST here.
January 21, 2026
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