D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have entered a landmark agreement to purchase and install a D-Wave Advantage2™ quantum computer in a deal valued at $20 million, marking a major investment in quantum computing infrastructure for the university and the broader Florida research ecosystem. (D-Wave Quantum)
Under the agreement with D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), FAU will take delivery of the Advantage2 annealing-based quantum system later in 2026, positioning the university as a regional hub for cutting-edge quantum computing research, education, and workforce development. (Quantum Computing Meets Real-World Innovation
The Advantage2 machine — part of D-Wave’s latest generation of quantum systems — is expected to be housed on FAU’s Boca Raton campus and serve as a focal point for applied research that spans logistics, materials discovery, finance, and advanced optimization challenges that are difficult or impossible to solve with classical computers. (
FAU and D-Wave have also agreed to pursue a broader collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could include the creation of a D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy at FAU, fostering hands-on quantum education and training initiatives for students and professionals alike. (
“This marks a defining moment for FAU and for D-Wave,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “Deploying a D-Wave quantum computer at FAU will establish the university as a preeminent center for quantum computing education and research — not just preparing for the quantum era but helping to shape it.”
Academic and Economic Impact
FAU President Adam Hasner highlighted the partnership’s potential to give students direct exposure to world-class quantum technology while enabling faculty and researchers to tackle powerful computational problems that extend far beyond traditional computing capabilities. (
State officials also framed the investment as a catalyst for Florida’s competitiveness in the high-tech talent market. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly emphasized that bringing quantum computing resources to FAU helps expand opportunities in workforce development, national defense research, data security, and next-generation science and engineering initiatives.
Strategic Alignment with D-Wave’s U.S. Expansion
The FAU deal coincides with D-Wave’s announcement that it will establish its new U.S. corporate headquarters and a key research and development hub at the Boca Raton Innovation Center in Florida, further deepening the company’s engagement with the local technology ecosystem.
Shares of D-Wave Quantum responded positively in early trading following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about institutional demand for quantum systems and expanding use cases across research, defense, and commercial sectors.
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