Quandela and Qatar’s Mekdam Holding Group Partner to Accelerate the Deployment of Quantum Computing Across the Gulf Region

Paris, June 18th, 2026 – Signed this Thursday during Vision Golfe – the Franco-Gulf economic forum organized by Business France under the high patronage of the French President, at the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty – this partnership marks Mekdam’s entry into quantum computing and strengthens Quandela’s presence in Qatar and strategic Middle Eastern markets.

Quandela, a European leader in photonic quantum computing, and Mekdam Holding Group (QSE: MKDM), a Qatari technology group listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this Thursday at the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, as part of Vision Golfe. The agreement aims to explore and deploy quantum computing solutions for Gulf markets, positioning both partners among the first organizations to introduce this technology to the region.

This partnership is fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the major national strategies for digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence being implemented across Gulf countries.

Complementary Expertise for a Strategic Market

Mekdam Holding Group, the first publicly listed technology group in Qatar, has demonstrated sustained growth, with revenues reaching QAR 681.1 million (approximately €161 million), an increase of more than 20% in 2025, and an order backlog of QAR 3.1 billion (€734 million). Active in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, IoT, data infrastructure and smart systems, the Group has identified quantum computing as a strategic pillar of its development in emerging technologies.

Quandela brings world-class expertise in photonic quantum computing, fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC), and quantum machine learning (QML).

Together, the two partners intend to identify and develop high-value use cases for the region’s priority sectors: energy, government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Toward a Regional Quantum Ecosystem

Beyond immediate applications, the partnership aims to build a sustainable ecosystem through cloud access to Quandela’s photonic quantum computers, local skills development, training and certification programs, and the creation of a Quandela–Mekdam Quantum Center of Excellence serving countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

This ambition aligns with various government-led initiatives across the region, including Qatar National Vision 2030, Saudi Vision 2030, and the UAE National Quantum Strategy.

“Based in Doha and a leading technology player in the Middle East, Mekdam enables us to accelerate our development in a dynamic, innovative, and strategically important region for the future of quantum computing. It is a strong asset in supporting Quandela’s global ambitions,” says Xavier Pereira, Chief Growth Officer at Quandela.

“This partnership marks Mekdam’s entry into quantum computing and reflects our ambition to become a leading player in the field across the region. Together with Quandela, we aim to deliver high-value use cases for the Gulf’s strategic sectors and build a strong local skills ecosystem, fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030,” says Bara’ Sami, General Group Manager of Mekdam Holding Group.

About Quandela 

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges.
Learn more at www.quandela.com

About Mekdam Holding Group (Q.P.S.C.)

Mekdam Holding Group Q.P.S.C. (QSE: MKDM) is a publicly listed Qatari technology and services group headquartered in Doha, and a pioneer among Qatari technology companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange. Founded in 2018, Mekdam has grown into one of Qatar’s leading technology groups, delivering 21.9% year-on-year revenue growth in FY2025, with contracts under execution valued at QAR 3.1 billion.

Through its specialized subsidiaries — Mekdam Technology, Mekdam Software Services, Mekdam Technology Solutions, Mekdam Technical Services, and Mekdam CAMS — the Group delivers across artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, ICT, data-center, smart infrastructure, and security systems. Mekdam serves clients across government, energy, ICT and critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education, supporting large-scale digital transformation. The Group is now extending its capability beyond Qatar, scaling its technology and emerging-technology businesses across the wider Gulf.

Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, Mekdam has identified quantum computing as a strategic capability pillar — already part of its emerging-technology portfolio. This partnership with Quandela advances that commitment from foundational capability to active execution, positioning Mekdam among the region’s first movers in bringing quantum technology to market.

Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
Founded: 2018
Stock Exchange: Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE: MKDM)
Core Activities: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, Cybersecurity, IoT, ICT, Data-Center, Smart Infrastructure, and Security Systems.

Media Relations

Maarc PR agency

• Iva Baytcheva, iva.baytcheva@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.59.07.03 
• Charles Courbet, charles.courbet@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.93.03.06 

Quandela’s spin-photon quantum computing architecture advances into DARPA program evaluating utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2026 — Quandela today announced it has been selected by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to participate in Stage A of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a multi-stage program designed to assess whether any quantum computing architecture can achieve utility-scale operation by 2033.

Under Stage A, Quandela will present a detailed concept for a utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, along with technical evidence supporting its near-term feasibility. Within DARPA’s framework, utility-scale refers to systems whose computational value exceeds their cost.
The QBI program is intended to rigorously evaluate approaches to practical quantum computing and provide government with a clearer basis for assessing which technologies can realistically scale.

“Selection for Stage A of the QBI program reflects the progress and maturity of our approach,” said Yoni Elmalem, General Manager of Quandela Federal. “It highlights the growing relevance of photonic and spin-photon hybrid architectures in addressing the requirements for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems. Our focus is on translating validated scientific principles into engineering pathways that can support practical deployment.”

Quandela is developing a spin-photon quantum computing architecture that combines the natural connectivity and modularity advantages of photons with the high-speed logic operations and resource efficiency of semiconductor spin-based technologies. The company believes this approach can enable modular, high-performance quantum systems designed for scalability.

“QBI establishes a structured framework for evaluating quantum computing approaches against clear performance and scalability criteria,” said Niccolo Somaschi, CEO of Quandela. “This aligns closely with our engineering methodology, which emphasizes measurable progress, architectural clarity and system-level scalability from the outset.”

Companies that successfully complete Stage A may advance to subsequent QBI phases focused on research and development planning, risk reduction, and independent validation of system performance.

About Quandela

Quandela is a global quantum computing company that designs, builds and delivers quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible through the cloud, and quantum algorithm services for academic and industrial customers. Quandela’s mission is to make quantum computing accessible in order to address complex industrial and societal challenges.

For more information, visit: www.quandela.com

Media Relations

• press@quandela.us – +1.202.669.1828

Cyril Dujardin joins as Chief Operating Officer, Michel Zecri as VP Industrialization, and Michel Paulin becomes Chairman of the Board as Quandela accelerates the global deployment of photonic quantum computing.

Massy, France — May 29, 2026 — Quandela, a European leader in photonic quantum computing, today announced a major reinforcement of its leadership and governance with the appointment of Cyril Dujardin as Chief Operating Officer and Michel Zecri as Vice President of Industrialization. Michel Paulin, former CEO of OVHcloud, SFR and Neuf Cegetel, becomes Chairman of the Board.

These appointments mark a new stage in Quandela’s development. As quantum computing enters a more execution-driven phase, success will increasingly depend not only on scientific performance, but also on the ability to industrialize complex hardware, structure global operations, secure supply chains, support customer deployments, and build trusted infrastructure at scale.

With Cyril Dujardin, Michel Zecri and Michel Paulin, Quandela is strengthening the operational, industrial and governance foundations required to move from pioneering photonic quantum systems to repeatable, international deployment across cloud platforms, data centers, high-performance computing environments, research institutions and industrial customers.

“Quantum computing is now moving into a phase where execution matters as much as breakthrough science,” said Niccolò Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela. “Quandela has built a unique position in photonic quantum computing, with systems designed for real-world environments and a clear roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. The arrival of Cyril and Michel, together with Michel Paulin becoming Chairman of the Board, gives us the operational depth, industrial discipline and governance experience needed for our next chapter of scale.”

“Quandela is at a pivotal moment: exceptional technology must now be matched by an equally robust operating model,” said Cyril Dujardin, Chief Operating Officer of Quandela. “My focus will be to help the company scale with clarity, speed and reliability, aligning research, product, business execution and customer deployment so that Quandela can serve industrial, institutional and international markets at the highest level.”

Michel Zecri (54 years old) joins Quandela with more than 20 years of industrial leadership experience across high-tech environments, including semiconductors, infrared technologies, aerospace and defense. He has held senior operations and general management roles at Freescale/Motorola Sofradir/Lynred and Rakon, leading multi-site teams and large-scale transformations from R&D to industrial production.

As VP Industrialization, Michel Zecri will lead the scale-up of Quandela’s quantum hardware platforms and components into manufacturable, reliable and cost-optimised products. His scope will include manufacturing operations, industrial processes, supply chain resilience, quality systems, compliance, hardware operations and customer support.

“Scaling quantum hardware requires industrial discipline at every level: design for manufacturability, process control, supplier strategy, quality, reliability and lifecycle support,” said Michel Zecri, VP Industrialization of Quandela. “Quandela’s photonic approach has strong potential for scalable deployment, and I am excited to help turn this technological advantage into a repeatable industrial platform.”

Michel Paulin (65 years old), who joined Quandela’s Board of Directors in 2025, now becomes Chairman of the Board. A recognized leader in the digital industry, he brings extensive experience in cloud, telecoms, sovereign digital infrastructure, international expansion and high-growth technology companies. As Chairman, he will support Quandela’s long-term strategic direction, governance and ecosystem positioning as the company expands its role in the global quantum computing landscape. 

“Quandela brings together world-class science, a pragmatic product roadmap and a strategic European position in one of the defining technologies of the coming decades,” said Michel Paulin, Chairman of the Board of Quandela. “My role as Chairman will be to help the company turn this position into a sustainable international leadership story, with the governance, partnerships and execution standards expected from a global technology champion.”

The leadership reinforcement follows a series of milestones for Quandela, including the expansion of its cloud-accessible quantum computing offering, the deployment of photonic quantum systems in real-world environments, and the development of strategic partnerships across Europe and Asia. Together, these appointments reflect Quandela’s ambition to build not only leading quantum technology, but also the industrial organization capable of delivering it at scale.

About Quandela 

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges. Learn more at https://www.quandela.com/ 

Contact – Media Relations 

Iva Baytcheva, iva.baytcheva@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.59.07.03 
Charles Courbet, charles.courbet@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.93.03.06