D-Wave Quantum Advances Hybrid Quantum Defense Solutions and Expands Operations to Florida

D-Wave Quantum Inc is advancing the practical application of quantum computing within the defense sector alongside significant infrastructure expansion in Florida. The company unveiled progress in its quantum-classical hybrid platform through strategic partnerships and announced forthcoming technological enhancements aimed at tackling complex defense and optimization challenges. In collaboration with Davidson Technologies and Anduril Industries, D-Wave is focusing on developing hybrid tools to assist with intricate U.S. air and missile defense planning scenarios. An initial proof of concept merged Anduril's detailed defense simulations, Davidson's expertise in mission-domain modeling and secure computing, and D-Wave's quantum technology to evaluate advanced missile-defense challenges. This combined effort allowed a direct comparison between traditional classical solvers and D-Wave's Stride hybrid solver, which operates on its Advantage2 quantum system. Benchmarking metrics such as solution quality, scalability, and time-to-solution showed a clear differentiation: while classical solvers performed adequately on smaller problems, their efficiency deteriorated as complexity increased. The hybrid solver maintained superior performance, particularly as applications scaled in difficulty. Building on this foundation, the involved parties intend to extend the application of hybrid quantum-classical approaches to additional optimization tasks including contested logistics, distributed manufacturing, cyber defense, and decision-making processes related to courses of action. Alongside these defense collaborations, D-Wave outlined progress in evolving its quantum computing platform. At its recent Qubits 2026 user conference, the company announced new hybrid solver functionalities that will enable customers to directly integrate machine learning models within quantum optimization workflows. Additionally, enhancements will provide researchers with improved instrumentation, offering deeper insights into quantum dynamics on annealing systems. Complementing these updates, the company reported strides in its gate-model quantum computing roadmap. Following its acquisition of Quantum Circuits, D-Wave is advancing toward delivering a preliminary gate-model system expected to reach the market by 2026. Dr. Trevor Lanting, D-Wave's chief development officer, highlighted the strategic dual-platform approach combining today’s commercially impactful annealing quantum computing with accelerating innovations in hybrid solvers and emerging gate-model technology. This strategy underpins the company’s commitment to sustaining leadership in quantum computing advancement. Demonstrating increasing adoption, D-Wave reported a 314% surge in usage of its Advantage2 quantum system over the past year. The Stride hybrid solver saw usage climb 114% within the last six months alone, reflecting growing market traction and customer engagement. To underpin ongoing expansion, D-Wave revealed plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Boca Raton, Florida, with completion targeted before the end of 2026. The company also intends to develop a major U.S.-based research and development center at the Boca Raton Innovation Center, which aligns with a broader growth strategy. A key element of this Florida initiative involves a collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Under a $20 million commitment, FAU will acquire and install an Advantage2 annealing quantum computer at its Boca Raton campus. This installation, expected later in 2026, will serve as an anchor for further partnerships aimed at bolstering education, research, and applied innovation. The collaboration may also encompass the establishment of a D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy to support workforce development and knowledge transfer. These maneuvers underscore D-Wave's efforts to capitalize on increased demand for quantum computing capabilities while reinforcing its role in key defense, research, and educational ecosystems. Regarding market response, shares of D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) traded higher on Tuesday premarket, up 5.26% to $25.00 per share at the most recent check, reflecting investor optimism tied to the company’s announcements and strategic outlook.