Jura Center to Establish Post-Quantum Semiconductor Initiative

DELÉMONT, Switzerland, Sept. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- SEALSQ Corp, WISeKey International Holding Ltd, and the Canton of Jura have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the establishment of a Post-Quantum Semiconductor and Cybersecurity Center (the "Jura Center") in the Canton of Jura. The proposed Jura Center represents an indicative investment of approximately CHF 40-60 million over a period of six years. The initiative aims to establish a strategic Swiss capability for the design, personalization, testing, and secure provisioning of next-generation post-quantum semiconductor technologies.

At the heart of the project will be SEALSQ's QS7001 Quantum Shield, a secure semiconductor designed to implement post-quantum cryptographic algorithms standardized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, including ML-KEM and ML-DSA. The Jura Center is expected to establish capabilities for cryptographic root-of-trust injection, secure firmware personalization, testing, and certification, complemented progressively by ASIC design capabilities.

The initiative is designed to combine SEALSQ and WISeKey's cybersecurity and semiconductor technologies with the Canton of Jura's longstanding expertise in precision manufacturing, microtechnology, and high-quality industrial production. The project seeks to transfer skills deeply rooted in Jura's watchmaking and microtechnology industries, including precision, quality control, and traceability, into secure semiconductor personalization.

The Jura Center is expected to establish approximately 40 direct jobs within two years, 150 by Year 5, and more than 250 by Year 8. At least 60% of these positions are expected to be filled by residents of the Canton. Building on the experience of the Quantix Edge Security initiative in Spain, the Jura Center aims to adapt the experience and methodologies developed in Murcia to Switzerland's specific industrial and sovereignty requirements.

The initiative is expected to be developed as a public-private partnership, with the majority of its financing coming from WISeKey, SEALSQ, private investors, and industrial partners. The Canton of Jura will act as a strategic catalyst, facilitating the establishment of the project and evaluating potential support within the applicable cantonal and federal frameworks.

The parties will also explore cooperation with HE-Arc Ingénierie for training, recruitment, and applied research, as well as with relevant Swiss technology and industrial organizations. The Jura Center will also evaluate opportunities associated with Swiss defense procurement and armasuisse industrial participation programs, where secure semiconductor and ASIC capabilities established on Swiss territory could potentially provide an attractive platform for industrial offset projects.

Secure semiconductors and ASICs are increasingly relevant to avionics, secure communications, sensors, and other defense systems, creating an opportunity to strengthen Switzerland's domestic technological and industrial base. The Jura Center aims to establish a new strategic capability for Switzerland by combining the industrial DNA of Jura's watchmaking and microtechnology industries with SEALSQ's post-quantum semiconductor technology.

The initiative is expected to generate initial revenue during the second quarter of 2026, based on early commercial progress in Murcia. The Jura Center is expected to become an important European center for post-quantum semiconductor security, creating highly qualified employment, strengthening the regional technology ecosystem, and reinforcing Switzerland's technological sovereignty.

The parties intend to establish a joint working group to develop the detailed business plan, select the site, structure the public-private financing model, develop academic and industrial partnerships, evaluate Swiss federal and armasuisse opportunities, and establish the regulatory and certification roadmap. The concept envisages the Center operating through a Swiss company incorporated in the Canton of Jura, supported by an appropriate public-private governance structure.

Following the MoU, the parties intend to move from the MoU to a detailed implementation framework governing the establishment, financing, and operation of the Jura Center.