WISeKey and SEALSQ plan Swiss post-quantum semiconductor centre

WISeKey, its semiconductor subsidiary SEALSQ and the Republic and Canton of Jura have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a post-quantum semiconductor and cybersecurity center in Switzerland. The planned public-private project represents an indicative investment of CHF40 million to CHF60 million over six years and could create more than 250 direct jobs. For eeNews Europe readers, the project is notable as another move to build sovereign European capabilities around secure semiconductor personalization, post-quantum cryptography and ASIC development. It also highlights how regional manufacturing expertise is being combined with security technology as governments look to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains. Secure chip personalization in Switzerland The proposed Jura Center would focus on semiconductor design, personalization, testing and secure provisioning, with capabilities including cryptographic root-of-trust injection, firmware personalization, testing and certification. ASIC design capabilities are expected to be added progressively. At the center of the project will be SEALSQ’s QS7001 Quantum Shield secure semiconductor, designed to support post-quantum algorithms standardized by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, including ML-KEM and ML-DSA. The partners plan to draw on Jura’s background in precision manufacturing, watchmaking and microtechnology, transferring skills in quality control, traceability and high-precision production into secure semiconductor processing. The project targets around 40 direct jobs within two years, rising to 150 by year five and more than 250 by year eight. At least 60% of the positions are expected to be filled by people living in the canton. Carlos Moreira, founder and CEO of WISeKey, said: “The quantum era is transforming cybersecurity into an issue of technological sovereignty. Switzerland must be able not only to design advanced security technologies, but also to personalize, provision and protect the cryptographic roots of trust inside semiconductors on Swiss soil. The Jura has an extraordinary industrial culture built around precision, reliability and microtechnology. Our ambition is to combine this industrial DNA with SEALSQ’s post-quantum semiconductor technology and create a new strategic capability for Switzerland. We are already applying this model in Murcia, where the initiative generated initial revenue during the second quarter of 2026. Based on this early commercial progress, believe the Jura Center can become an important European center for post-quantum semiconductor security, creating highly qualified employment, strengthening the regional technology ecosystem while reinforcing Switzerland’s technological sovereignty.” Public-private model Most financing is expected to come from WISeKey, SEALSQ, private investors and industrial partners, while the Canton of Jura would support the project within applicable cantonal and federal frameworks. The partners will also explore cooperation with HE-Arc Ingénierie on recruitment, training and applied research, as well as opportunities linked to Swiss defense procurement and armasuisse industrial participation programs. The initiative follows the Quantix Edge Security model in Murcia, Spain, where WISeKey and SEALSQ are developing a EUR40 million semiconductor design and personalization center. The Swiss partners will now form a working group to prepare the business plan, choose a site, structure financing and define the regulatory and certification roadmap. The post WISeKey and SEALSQ plan post-quantum semiconductor center in Jura appeared first on eeNews Europe.