SEALSQ and WISeKey have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic and Canton of Jura to establish a post-quantum semiconductor and cybersecurity center in Switzerland, targeting the development of secure semiconductor capabilities for a market preparing for the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography.
The proposed Jura Center is expected to represent an indicative investment of CHF 40 million to CHF 60 million over six years, according to the companies. The project would bring together SEALSQ’s semiconductor and post-quantum security technologies, WISeKey’s cybersecurity and digital identity capabilities, and Jura’s established expertise in precision manufacturing and microtechnology.
The initiative is still at the MoU stage. The parties plan to establish a joint working group to develop the detailed business plan, identify a site, structure financing and governance, and assess regulatory, certification and industrial partnerships before moving to a detailed implementation framework.
Focus on Secure Semiconductor Provisioning
At the center of the proposed facility would be SEALSQ’s QS7001 Quantum Shield, a secure semiconductor designed to implement post-quantum cryptographic algorithms including ML-KEM and ML-DSA, which are among the standards finalized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
NIST finalized its first three post-quantum cryptography standards in August 2024. ML-KEM, specified in FIPS 203, is designed for key establishment, while ML-DSA, specified in FIPS 204, is a digital-signature standard. NIST recommends organizations begin migrating systems to quantum-resistant cryptography as quantum computing advances.
The Jura Center is expected initially to focus on cryptographic root-of-trust injection, secure firmware personalization, testing and certification. ASIC design capabilities could be added progressively as the project develops.
Root-of-trust technology is used to establish a trusted foundation for authentication and security within a device. Moving such processes into a controlled Swiss facility would allow the project to focus on the secure provisioning of semiconductor-based security functions, rather than limiting its role to conventional chip production.
Building a Swiss Semiconductor Capability
The project is intended to combine semiconductor security with Jura’s industrial base, particularly expertise developed through its watchmaking and microtechnology industries.
The companies said manufacturing practices associated with precision, quality control and traceability could be applied to secure semiconductor personalization. The proposed facility would therefore sit at the intersection of semiconductor technology, cybersecurity and advanced industrial manufacturing.
The project is expected to create approximately 40 direct jobs within two years, rising to around 150 by the fifth year and more than 250 by the eighth year. At least 60% of those positions are expected to be filled by residents of the Canton of Jura.
The parties also intend to explore cooperation with HE-Arc Ingénierie for training, recruitment and applied research, alongside partnerships with Swiss technology and industrial organizations.
For Jura, the proposed center would add a semiconductor and cybersecurity dimension to an industrial economy already associated with precision manufacturing and microtechnology.
Public-Private Model
The proposed Jura Center is expected to operate as a public-private partnership.
According to the companies, most of the financing would come from WISeKey, SEALSQ, private investors and industrial partners. The Canton of Jura would act as a strategic catalyst, facilitating the project and evaluating possible support under applicable cantonal and federal programs.
The structure is intended to allow the project to develop with private-sector financing while using public-sector support to facilitate infrastructure, regulatory coordination, workforce development and other requirements.
The parties envision the center operating through a Swiss company incorporated in the Canton of Jura, with an appropriate public-private governance structure.
Switzerland Project Follows Murcia Model
The initiative builds on a similar project being developed in Spain.
WISeKey and SEALSQ are developing Quantix Edge Security, a semiconductor design and personalization center in Murcia with Spanish partners. The companies said the Murcia project has an investment value of about €40 million, with the Spanish government, through the Sociedad Española de Transformación Tecnológica, committing €19.6 million in June 2025.
The Jura project is intended to adapt the experience and methodologies developed through the Spanish initiative to Switzerland’s industrial and sovereignty requirements.
SEALSQ CEO Carlos Moreira said the company sees secure semiconductor personalization as an element of technological sovereignty as organizations prepare for the post-quantum era. He also pointed to the company’s work in Murcia, saying the initiative generated initial revenue during the second quarter of 2026.
Those comments reflect the companies’ commercial expectations for the model; the Jura project itself remains subject to further planning, financing and implementation decisions.
Potential Defense and Industrial Applications
The proposed center could also explore opportunities linked to Swiss defense procurement and armasuisse industrial participation programs, according to the announcement.
Secure semiconductors and ASICs can be used in systems such as avionics, secure communications and sensors. Establishing design, personalization and security capabilities within Switzerland could therefore provide a potential platform for industrial participation associated with defense programs.
The companies have not indicated that the Jura Center has secured any specific defense contract. Instead, the MoU calls for the parties to evaluate potential opportunities as the project develops.
The potential applications also extend beyond defense. Secure semiconductor technology can support connected devices and infrastructure where device authentication, firmware integrity and cryptographic identity are important.
Next Steps Will Determine Project Scope
The next phase will focus on turning the broad MoU into a detailed implementation plan.
The joint working group is expected to address the business plan, site selection, public-private financing structure, academic and industrial partnerships, federal and armasuisse opportunities, and the regulatory and certification roadmap.
That work will determine the eventual scale, timeline and financing of the proposed center.
The project comes as governments and technology companies increasingly prepare for the migration toward post-quantum cryptography. NIST says quantum computers could eventually threaten widely used cryptographic systems and has urged organizations to begin transitioning to quantum-resistant standards. Its current framework includes ML-KEM, ML-DSA and SLH-DSA, with additional algorithms continuing through the standardization process.
