More than 70 specialists have received quantum computing training from SDAIA Academy so far in 2026, as the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority moves early to prepare national talent for a technology that countries worldwide are racing to turn into practical tools for science and vital sectors.

Quantum computing relies on the laws of quantum mechanics to handle information differently from conventional machines, which could help solve complex scientific problems such as simulating molecules and materials. Turning that promise into working applications, however, depends on parallel progress in hardware, error correction and algorithms, and on experts able to run the systems and judge their results.

The academy's first step this year was a quantum computing boot camp organised with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals for computer science specialists and those in related fields. Participants studied the physics and mathematics behind the technology and its likely effect on information security, and practised designing and running quantum algorithms on platforms including Qiskit and CUDA-Q.

Senior officials were also on the agenda: on April 14, 2026, the academy held a programme for leaders and decision-makers titled Strategic Transformation Toward Quantum Technologies, which covered quantum communication, encryption and sensing and what they could mean for critical infrastructure.

A further boot camp on September 13, 2026, looked at advanced uses of quantum computing and at pairing it with generative and agentic AI to build hybrid classical-quantum solutions. Trainees designed quantum circuits with tools such as Qiskit and NVIDIA CUDA-Q, learned how quantum systems connect with high-performance computing, and worked in labs on simulators and quantum platforms, with access to real quantum hardware where available, exploring uses in optimisation, cybersecurity, finance and logistics.

The programmes form part of the academy's drive to grow national skills in deep and emerging technologies, especially among university students, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 goals for human capital and a knowledge-based economy.