The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has entered a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, a global leader in quantum computing, to accelerate the development and benchmarking of next-generation quantum computing algorithms and commercial applications in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Under the agreement, TII’s Quantum Research Center gains access to Quantinuum’s world-class quantum computing systems, recognized for their industry-leading operational fidelity. This includes privileged access to Helios, Quantinuum’s next-generation platform, which is anticipated to demonstrate significant enhancements in gate fidelity and qubit connectivity. The partnership enriches TII’s already diverse ecosystem, which includes its proprietary superconducting quantum chips, IonQ’s trapped-ion processors, and multi-platform access through AWS Braket to systems by QUERA, Rigetti, and IQM.
This collaboration marks a major milestone in the UAE’s national quantum agenda, reinforcing the country’s commitment to emerging technologies and its growing stature as a global science and technology hub. The joint effort will focus on advancing quantum computing applications across domains of strategic importance, both regionally and internationally.
Key Research Areas of the Partnership Include:
- Quantum Chemistry and Materials Science:
Development of quantum algorithms to estimate key properties such as ground-state energies, and simulate complex many-body quantum systems like superconductors. - Classical-to-Quantum Data Integration:
Innovation in methods for encoding classical data into quantum states for high-efficiency applications in areas like image processing and high-throughput data environments. - Optimization of Complex Systems:
Application of Quantinuum’s high-fidelity quantum systems and TII’s algorithmic strengths to solve combinatorial optimization problems with minimal qubit requirements.
Beyond research, the partnership serves as a strategic enabler for talent development, offering next-generation quantum researchers and engineers in the UAE the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to a globally competitive quantum ecosystem.
“The agreement with Quantinuum represents a significant step forward in our mission to advance quantum research,” said Dr. Leandro Aolita, Chief Researcher of TII’s Quantum Research Center. “With access to cutting-edge quantum hardware like Helios, we remain at the forefront of quantum research and innovation, further solidifying the UAE’s status as a leading technology and innovation hub.”
“Quantinuum’s partnership with TII marks a powerful alignment of vision and capability,” said Dr. Avinash “Nash” Palaniswamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Quantinuum. “We remain deeply committed to fostering strong partnerships across the region, uniting quantum computing trailblazers with our best-in-class systems to anchor global ecosystems, accelerate research and development, and unlock transformative value for users.”
This strategic collaboration reflects the UAE’s broader ambition to build a robust quantum technology ecosystem anchored in world-class infrastructure, international partnerships, and a future-ready talent pipeline. Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a regional quantum innovation hub, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated national initiatives, and the commitment to advancing frontier science and technologies that shape the future.
At the center of this ecosystem, the TII plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for applied research, hosting one of the most active quantum research programs in the region. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, development of indigenous quantum hardware, and strategic collaborations with global leaders like Quantinuum, TII is expanding the UAE’s capabilities across quantum hardware, software, and applications.
The UAE’s quantum agenda is aligned with its national vision to transition into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Through targeted support of foundational research, startup incubation, public-private partnerships, and cross-sectoral adoption, the country is cultivating a self-sustaining technological ecosystem with global relevance. Initiatives led by entities such as the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), TII, and other stakeholders continue to position the UAE as an influential contributor to the global quantum landscape.
This partnership between TII and Quantinuum exemplifies the strategic alignment of local ambition and global expertise. It accelerates technological advancement while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a central hub for quantum innovation, talent cultivation, and international scientific cooperation.
Source: Technology Innovation Institute Press Release
