D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), the dual-platform quantum computing company providing both annealing and gate-model systems, has joined the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative as an inaugural member. The collaborative brings together academia, industry and government to accelerate quantum information science advancement across the Southeast while developing the quantum-ready workforce needed to commercialize the technology.
The SQC includes The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Davidson Technologies, IBM and Alabama A&M University alongside D-Wave. Davidson Technologies hosts a D-Wave Advantage2 system at its Huntsville, Alabama headquarters, positioning D-Wave to support the collaborative's workforce development efforts directly.
"Establishing a globally competitive, quantum-ready workforce across the Southeast - capable of operationalizing annealing and gate-model systems for mission-critical decision-making, large-scale operational efficiency, and the protection of national interests - will be decisive in accelerating adoption throughout the region's public and private sectors," said Jack Sears, vice president of government business solutions at D-Wave.
This development matters because quantum computing represents the next frontier in computational capability, with potential applications ranging from advanced manufacturing and logistics to national defense and energy optimization. The Southeast's investment in quantum talent and infrastructure could position the region as a national leader in quantum innovation at a critical time when quantum technologies are transitioning from research to practical application.
The implications extend beyond immediate technological advancement. By developing a quantum-ready workforce, the Southeast addresses a significant barrier to quantum adoption - the shortage of professionals capable of implementing and maintaining quantum systems. This workforce development initiative could create economic opportunities while ensuring the region remains competitive in emerging technology sectors.
D-Wave's dual-platform approach, offering both annealing and gate-model quantum computing, provides the collaborative with comprehensive quantum capabilities. The company's systems are available through its Leap quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime, or on-premises installations. More than 100 organizations across commercial, government and research sectors currently use D-Wave systems to address complex computational challenges.
The collaborative's formation signals growing recognition that quantum computing requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. By bringing together academic institutions, technology companies like D-Wave and IBM, and government partners, the SQC creates an ecosystem where quantum research, education and application can develop synergistically.
For industries across the Southeast, this collaboration could accelerate access to quantum computing resources and expertise. Companies in manufacturing, logistics, energy and defense sectors may benefit from improved optimization capabilities, enhanced security protocols and more efficient operational models enabled by quantum technologies. The workforce development component ensures that as quantum applications emerge, the region will have professionals trained to implement them effectively.
D-Wave's participation builds on its existing presence in the region through Davidson Technologies' Advantage2 system installation. This existing infrastructure provides a foundation for hands-on training and practical quantum computing experience, essential components for developing a workforce capable of operationalizing quantum systems for real-world applications.
As quantum computing continues to evolve from theoretical possibility to practical tool, initiatives like the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative represent critical infrastructure development. By addressing both technological advancement and workforce readiness simultaneously, the collaborative positions the Southeast to capitalize on quantum computing's potential economic and strategic benefits while contributing to national competitiveness in this emerging field.
