D-Wave Quantum Inc. has joined the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative as an inaugural member alongside The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Davidson Technologies, IBM and Alabama A&M University. The collaborative aims to accelerate the advancement and application of quantum information science and technology across the Southeast while developing the quantum-ready workforce needed to commercialize the technology. Given that Davidson Technologies hosts a D-Wave Advantage2 system at its headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, D-Wave is positioned to support the SQC's quantum workforce development efforts. The company is the only dual-platform quantum computing provider, offering both annealing and gate-model systems, software and services.
Jack Sears, vice president of government business solutions at D-Wave, emphasized the importance of establishing a globally competitive quantum workforce across the Southeast capable of operationalizing both annealing and gate-model systems for mission-critical applications. The collaborative brings together academia, industry and government to advance quantum technology across the region. Sears noted that developing this workforce will be decisive in accelerating adoption throughout the Southeast's public and private sectors. By investing in quantum talent and infrastructure, the Southeast can position itself as a national leader in quantum innovation, advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics, and defense applications.
D-Wave's participation in the SQC builds on its existing presence in Alabama through Davidson Technologies' Advantage2 system. The company has established itself as a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, becoming the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers. More than 100 organizations across commercial, government and research sectors currently use D-Wave technology to address complex computational challenges. The company offers enterprise-grade systems available on-premises and through its Leap quantum cloud service, which provides 99.9% availability and uptime.
Alabama has historically been a leader in advanced technology development, and the establishment of the SQC represents a strategic effort to extend this leadership into the quantum computing era. The collaborative's focus on workforce development addresses a critical need as quantum technologies move from research laboratories to practical applications across multiple industries. Additional information about the announcement is available in the full press release detailing D-Wave's participation in the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative.
