Quantum computing has emerged as a frontier that could redefine every industry, from logistics and AI to drug discovery and financial modeling.
Square at the vanguard of this revolution is Vancouver-based D-Wave Quantum Systems, whose claims to fame include being the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers.
“Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize how we tackle societal problems,” believes Dr. Alan Baratz.
Known for development of annealing and gate-model quantum computers, D-Wave’s aim is clear: to unlock the quantum advantages of today for business and society alike.
Baratz, the chief executive of D-Wave, says one major “key to this transformation is the ability to provide larger quantum systems with greater coherence.”
Recently, the firm announced notable collaborations that promise to harness some of the untapped potential surrounding quantum technology.
This month, D-Wave unveiled a partnership with the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Quantum Alliance program, multi-year projects will set up key hardware research programs for quantum computing systems.
“We’re excited to engage with the University of Waterloo through the NSERC program to further build out a robust quantum ecosystem that can tackle real-world problems,” stated Baratz.
“These NSERC projects each facilitate important R&D for these next-generation systems,” he added.
The collaborations will focus on identifying improvements in device design and materials quality that will foster more coherent superconducting quantum processors—a strategy which aligns with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
“The collaboration with D-Wave will provide a unique opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of the physics of a new generation of superconducting qubits, which have the potential to enable new quantum computing architectures,” said Dr. Adrian Lupascu, professor at the Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo.
Another partnership, announced this week, finds D-Wave in Switzerland. QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s first quantum hub for commercial use, has teamed up with VINCI Energies, a pioneer in environmental-focused digital transition, to launch a quantum-based pilot project.
“We believe that today’s quantum technology can play a key role in ensuring optimal and efficient construction and operation of buildings and are eager to use D-Wave’s quantum solutions in support of that effort,” stated Dr. Reinhard Schlemmer, Member of the Board of VINCI Energies.
VINCI Energies has turned to quantum innovation to advance the design of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. Alongside QuantumBasel and D-Wave, VINCI is embarking on a journey to see if quantum computing can improve the quality of the generated HVAC network solutions, thus reducing compute time and costs.
“Construction projects feature a multitude of optimization challenges that can contribute to cost overruns and delayed building completions when not adequately addressed,” affirms Baratz. “We believe today’s quantum-hybrid technologies can help solve these computationally complex problems to drive efficiencies and streamline building processes and look forward to working with VINCI Energies and uptownBasel to bring quantum to construction.”
D-Wave’s new partnerships reinforce its place as a leader in the quantum computing sphere, demonstrating that it is not just building computers, but also the future of quantum technology itself.
The company raised $40 million in 2021 from the federal government before going public by merging with DPCM Capital, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, last year.
Earlier this year, it unveiled a new quantum training program in conjunction with BC-based Quantum Algorithms Institute in a bid to accelerate the development of a quantum-ready workforce.
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