Insider Brief:
- Norma signed an MOU with UAE-based Al Fardan Ventures to establish a quantum computing R&D center in the Middle East, aiming to support regional demand in AI, cloud, data centers, and quantum technologies.
- The partnership reflects a joint strategy to drive innovation, economic growth, and talent development across the Middle East’s ICT sector through collaborative research and technical support.
- Norma is actively expanding its presence in the region, with previous deals including an $18M quantum computer export to Saudi Arabia and partnerships with Saudi academic and infrastructure institutions.
- Image Credit: AI Fardan Ventures
- Editor’s Note: This has been translated from Korean to English using ChatGPT.
PRESS RELEASE — Quantum security and computing company Norma (CEO Hyunchul Jung) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Al Fardan Ventures, a Middle Eastern investment firm, to establish a local Quantum Computing R&D Center.
The MOU was signed at the World IT Show (WIS) held at COEX in Seoul on April 25. Through this agreement, Norma and UAE-based innovation and investment firm Al Fardan Ventures aim to establish a cutting-edge quantum computing research and development center in the Middle East to lead next-generation quantum technologies. Initially, both parties will support the growing demand for ICT in the region—particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), data center infrastructure, and cloud computing. They will then expand into R&D and technical support for cybersecurity and quantum computing.
This partnership reflects a strong shared commitment to advancing technological innovation in the Middle East and contributing to long-term economic growth. Through collaboration, the two companies expect to generate opportunities in R&D, advanced manufacturing, and talent development in the region. Norma plans to visit the Middle East in the near future to meet with high-ranking government officials and industry leaders to accelerate implementation.
CEO Hyunchul Jung of Norma stated: “The dynamically evolving Middle East is one of the core regions in Norma’s global strategy. Through this collaboration with Al Fardan Ventures, we aim to bring world-class technology to the Middle East and lead quantum innovation.”
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Ventures, said: “We are proud to build a strong technological foundation in the Middle East in the fields of quantum computing, AI, data centers, and cybersecurity through this partnership with Norma. This cooperation not only meets today’s technological needs but will also position the Middle East as a hub for cutting-edge ICT infrastructure.”
Norma is actively pursuing technology support and business expansion in quantum computing and quantum security across the Middle East. In December 2024, the company signed a $18 million export contract with Saudi IT firm Light Vision IT to supply quantum computers. In February 2024, Norma also partnered with the Computer and Information Science Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia to supply its Q Platform, an environment for running and supporting quantum programs. In 2023, Norma collaborated with Saudi IT infrastructure company ITB on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technologies.
SOURCE: ETNews
