D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) announced its participation as an inaugural member of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative (SQC), a consortium bringing together academia, industry, and government to advance quantum information science and technology across the Southeast. The SQC includes The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Davidson Technologies, IBM, and Alabama A&M University.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the application of quantum computing and develop a quantum-ready workforce to commercialize the technology. D-Wave, the only dual-platform quantum computing company offering both annealing and gate-model systems, is well positioned to support these efforts, particularly since Davidson Technologies hosts a D-Wave Advantage2 system at its headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Alabama has long been a leader in the development and use of advanced technologies, and D-Wave is excited to join the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative as an inaugural member to support the next wave of innovation coming from the region — quantum computing,” said Jack Sears, vice president of government business solutions at D-Wave. “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. 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.”
This initiative highlights the growing importance of quantum computing for national security and economic competitiveness. The SQC’s focus on workforce development directly addresses a critical bottleneck in quantum adoption: the shortage of skilled professionals. D-Wave’s dual-platform approach — offering both annealing and gate-model systems — provides a versatile foundation for training and research, enabling participants to explore a range of quantum applications from optimization to machine learning.
The collaboration also underscores the strategic role of the Southeast in quantum innovation. By leveraging existing infrastructure like the Advantage2 system at Davidson Technologies, the SQC can provide hands-on experience with enterprise-grade quantum hardware. This practical exposure is essential for preparing students and professionals to deploy quantum solutions in real-world scenarios, from defense logistics to energy management.
D-Wave’s involvement further aligns with its broader mission to deliver quantum value today. The company’s Leap quantum cloud service offers 99.9% availability, making quantum resources accessible to a wide range of users. As the SQC progresses, it may serve as a model for regional quantum ecosystems across the United States, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can accelerate technology transfer and workforce development.
For more information on D-Wave and its role in the quantum industry, visit www.dwavequantum.com. The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/Pitiq.
