Loredo to Train 300+ Quantum Ambassadors at Florida Atlantic In Partnership With D-Wave

More than 300 quantum computing ambassadors have benefited from Robert Loredo’s training programs, and he will now apply that experience as the newly appointed executive director of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Quantum Technologies. Beginning July 1, Loredo will lead FAU’s efforts to become “Florida’s first quantum university,” integrating research, education, and industry partnerships around advanced computing. This expansion includes building quantum computing infrastructure in partnership with D-Wave Quantum Inc., positioning the university as a leader in applied quantum research. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to join an institution that is not only participating in the quantum era but actively defining it,” Loredo stated. Gregg Fields, Ph. D., FAU’s vice president for research, said that Loredo’s leadership will be crucial in driving discovery and workforce development at scale.

Loredo brings to FAU a substantial track record in quantum workforce development, having trained over 300 quantum computing ambassadors globally, an experience he will now leverage to build programs within the state. This focus on personnel is central to FAU’s strategy, as it seeks to acquire quantum hardware and cultivate the expertise to utilize it effectively. A key component of this expansion is a partnership with D-Wave Quantum Inc., which will see the installation of an Advantage2 annealing quantum system on FAU’s Boca Raton campus later this year. Featuring over 4,400 qubits, the system will provide hands-on access to quantum computing for researchers and students, enabling experimentation with complex optimization and modeling challenges. This deployment positions the university as a leader in applied quantum research and will connect the university to the Florida LambdaRail secure quantum network, fostering collaborative research opportunities. Fields stated that Loredo said, “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to join an institution that is not only participating in the quantum era but actively defining it,” highlighting the university’s commitment to shaping the future of computing through algorithm development and talent cultivation.

D-Wave Advantage2 System Anchors On-Campus Quantum Infrastructure

Florida Atlantic University is establishing a significant physical foundation for its quantum ambitions with the installation of a D-Wave Advantage2 annealing quantum system at its Boca Raton campus. This move comes as FAU continues to build its on-campus quantum computing infrastructure alongside Loredo’s leadership, positioning FAU as a rare academic institution with direct access to on-site quantum computing infrastructure. This hardware deployment is not isolated; FAU is also integrating with the Florida LambdaRail secure quantum network, broadening opportunities for collaborative research and quantum-safe communications across the state.

Loredo, who has trained over 300 quantum computing ambassadors worldwide, intends to build upon this experience at FAU, focusing on developing expertise in quantum algorithms, software, and hybrid computing approaches. “As we integrate on-campus quantum hardware into our research and teaching ecosystem, his leadership will ensure that our faculty, students and partners can fully harness this technology to drive discovery, innovation and workforce development at scale,” said Fields, Ph. D., FAU’s vice president for research. The Advantage2 system will serve as a central component of a wider quantum ecosystem, supporting applications in areas like logistics, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Loredo emphasizes that the university’s goal extends beyond simply accessing the hardware. “While access to advanced quantum hardware is essential, our greatest opportunity lies in developing the algorithms, software and talent that will unlock its full potential,” he stated. This holistic strategy aims to prepare a quantum-ready workforce equipped with enduring skills applicable across evolving quantum technologies, solidifying FAU’s role in Florida’s growing quantum innovation landscape.

Robert Loredo’s arrival at Florida Atlantic University on July 1 signifies a deliberate strategy to intertwine quantum computing advancement with comprehensive workforce development, positioning the institution as a central player in the emerging quantum field. This focus extends beyond simply acquiring hardware; Loredo’s background emphasizes translating complex scientific concepts into accessible learning systems, crucial for cultivating a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of the field. He has already trained over 300 quantum computing ambassadors worldwide. This system is intended as an anchor for a broader quantum ecosystem integrating research, teaching, and industry collaboration, with applications spanning logistics, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Fields, Ph.

Florida Atlantic University’s ambitious push into quantum computing is heavily focused on cultivating the software and algorithmic expertise necessary to fully utilize emerging hardware capabilities. This ecosystem will prioritize preparing students with skills applicable across evolving quantum platforms, ensuring long-term relevance beyond specific technologies. However, the university’s commitment extends beyond simply running algorithms on the hardware; it aims to foster innovation in quantum algorithms, software tools, and hybrid classical-quantum workflows. Fields, Ph. D., FAU’s vice president for research, explained that Loredo will be “instrumental in helping FAU translate leading-edge quantum capability into real-world impact,” emphasizing the importance of translating theoretical advances into practical applications. This focus on software and algorithmic innovation is intended to position Florida as a national leader in quantum commercialization and a hub for a quantum-ready workforce.