D-Wave Quantum Inc. and The University of Alabama in Huntsville today announced the launch of the Southeastern Quantum Collaborative (SQC), uniting academia, industry, and government to advance quantum information science and technology. The SQC will focus on accelerating both the development and application of quantum computing across the Southeast, while also building a skilled quantum-ready workforce. Given Davidson Technologies hosts a D-Wave Advantage2TM system in Huntsville, Alabama, D-Wave is uniquely positioned to support these workforce development efforts. “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. This collaboration aims to establish the Southeastern United States as a global quantum computing leader.
D-Wave and Southeastern Quantum Collaborative Inaugural Partnership
D-Wave Quantum Inc. This partnership signifies a concentrated effort to propel both the advancement and practical application of quantum information science and technology throughout the southeastern United States. Beyond research, a key focus will be cultivating a skilled workforce capable of translating quantum potential into tangible commercial realities. The SQC intends to capitalize on the region’s existing strengths—a high concentration of cleared defense infrastructure, expertise in missile defense, and a robust network of prime contractors—to expedite the development of field-ready quantum capabilities for military applications.
Davidson Technologies already hosts a D-Wave Advantage2TM system, positioning the collaborative to directly address workforce development needs. Furthermore, the SQC will foster connections between government, technology companies, and academic institutions through expert talks, roundtables, and networking opportunities. James Lackey, senior vice president at Davidson, highlighted their existing work, stating, “Our work developing quantum-powered applications on D-Wave’s Advantage2 annealing system has demonstrated the real-world power of this technology.” Dr. Rainer Steinwandt, dean of the College of Science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, emphasized that “Having quantum leaders like D-Wave as inaugural members is critical to developing the next generation of talent.”
Advantage2 System Supports Quantum Workforce Development
The rapidly evolving quantum landscape demands more than just hardware; a skilled workforce is now paramount. Davidson Technologies is uniquely positioned to address this need, already hosting a D-Wave Advantage2TM system at its Huntsville, Alabama headquarters, and actively developing quantum-powered applications. The SQC, of which D-Wave is an inaugural member alongside The University of Alabama in Huntsville, IBM and Alabama A&M University, isn’t solely focused on theoretical advancement. Dr.
Our work developing quantum-powered applications on D-Wave’s Advantage2 annealing system has demonstrated the real-world power of this technology to enhance mission planning, optimize complex operations, and strengthen national security.
James Lackey, senior vice president, software solutions division at Davidson
Dual-Platform Quantum Computing & 99.9% Leap Uptime
D-Wave Quantum Inc. is distinguishing itself by offering a dual-platform approach to quantum computing, encompassing both annealing and gate-model systems—a unique capability in the field. The company boasts “99.9% availability and uptime” for its Leap quantum cloud service, a critical factor for organizations seeking to integrate quantum computing into ongoing operations.
