D-Wave unveils on-premises quantum computing to drive AI and high-performance research

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), a global leader in quantum computing technology, has launched a new on-premises quantum computing system, marking a significant advancement in the integration of quantum technology with artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). This initiative allows academic institutions, government agencies, and research centres to deploy D-Wave’s quantum computing system directly within their facilities, enhancing computational capabilities for AI-driven applications, optimization tasks, and quantum simulations.

This milestone is underscored by the recent purchase of a D-Wave Advantage quantum computer by Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), making it the first high-performance computing centre in the world to integrate an on-site D-Wave system. As AI adoption accelerates, quantum computing’s ability to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing is becoming a critical asset in research and technological innovation.

Why Is There Growing Demand for On-Premises Quantum Systems?

The increasing reliance on high-performance computing to advance AI, materials science, cryptography, and national security has driven demand for quantum systems that offer on-site control, security, and efficiency. A recent study by Hyperion Research indicates that nearly 20% of surveyed organizations prioritize on-premises quantum computing due to its enhanced security, real-time processing capabilities, and ability to complement existing classical computing infrastructure.

D-Wave’s new offering enables institutions to own and operate the world’s largest quantum computing system, featuring over 5,000 qubits and 15-way connectivity. By integrating directly with existing HPC environments, organizations can leverage quantum processing to refine AI models, optimize resource allocation, and accelerate breakthrough research in quantum physics, neural networks, and large-scale simulations.

What Are the Advantages of D-Wave’s On-Premises Quantum Computing?

D-Wave’s on-premises quantum system offers a seamless integration process, including installation, calibration, maintenance, and ongoing technical support to ensure optimal performance. Unlike cloud-based quantum solutions, this model provides full control over system parameters, allowing researchers to fine-tune hardware configurations and develop custom algorithms tailored to specific computational challenges.

By embedding quantum capabilities within high-performance computing environments, users can optimize hybrid quantum-classical workflows, enhancing efficiency in artificial intelligence research and data-intensive simulations. The flexibility to adjust system parameters and incorporate emerging quantum innovations, such as analog-digital hybrid features, further strengthens the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

What Is the Quantum Uplift Program and Why Does It Matter?

As organizations explore quantum technology’s potential, many have encountered limitations with competing quantum solutions that lack reliability, problem-solving capabilities, and real-world applicability. To address these concerns, D-Wave has introduced the Quantum Uplift program, an initiative designed to offer financial incentives to organizations dissatisfied with competitor systems.

The program encourages enterprises, government agencies, and research institutions to transition to a D-Wave Advantage system, a proven quantum computing system capable of solving complex optimization problems with greater accuracy and reliability. More than 100 organizations currently rely on D-Wave’s quantum technology to advance research in logistics, pharmaceuticals, financial modeling, and materials science, demonstrating the practical applications of its quantum annealing approach.

Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, emphasized the impact of integrating quantum computing with high-performance computing, stating that by combining annealing quantum computing with HPC, significant advancements in AI and quantum research are expected, leading to discoveries that push computational limits beyond classical capabilities.

How Will Forschungszentrum Jülich’s Quantum Investment Shape the Future?

The acquisition of a D-Wave Advantage system by Forschungszentrum Jülich marks a historic step in Europe’s quantum computing evolution. As part of the Jülich Unified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ), the system will be integrated into Europe’s first and only exascale supercomputer, JUPITER, creating an unprecedented link between quantum computing systems and classical HPC.

This integration is expected to fuel breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research, quantum simulations, and complex optimization problems that challenge conventional computing. With JUPITER capable of processing over one quintillion calculations per second, the fusion of exascale and quantum computing could redefine problem-solving in fields ranging from climate modeling to cryptography.

JSC Director Prof. Thomas Lippert emphasized D-Wave’s industry leadership, stating that D-Wave remains the only quantum computing company addressing real-world challenges today and that Forschungszentrum Jülich is excited to be the first HPC centre in Europe to own this groundbreaking system.

What Future Innovations Can We Expect from D-Wave?

Forschungszentrum Jülich’s system is set to be upgraded to D-Wave’s next-generation Advantage2 quantum processor once it becomes available. The upcoming system promises significant performance enhancements, including doubled coherence times, improved connectivity, and a 40% increase in energy scale—enhancements expected to refine quantum optimization techniques and advance real-world applications.

Kristel Michielsen, head of JUNIQ & Quantum Computing at JSC, highlighted the significance of this development, stating that D-Wave’s cutting-edge technology, combined with Forschungszentrum Jülich’s HPC expertise, will revolutionize quantum research in Germany and across Europe. She noted that the planned integration with JUPITER will unlock new possibilities in AI, scientific computing, and real-world problem-solving.

How Has D-Wave’s Quantum Computing Been Used in Scientific Research?

D-Wave’s quantum technology has already demonstrated significant impact in scientific research. In 2022, scientists from Lund University in Sweden and JSC successfully used D-Wave’s quantum computing system to analyze protein folding, a discovery with potential implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The findings were highlighted in Physical Review Research. In 2024, JSC researchers, in collaboration with scientists from Slovenia, proved that D-Wave’s system could simulate electron interactions in quantum materials, a breakthrough published in Nature Communications. Recently, a research team from JSC, the University of Leeds, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria leveraged D-Wave’s quantum computing capabilities to explore the formation of the universe, with results published in Nature Physics.

What Does D-Wave’s Expansion Mean for the Future of Quantum Computing?

As AI-driven workloads continue to grow, integrating quantum computing into high-performance computing environments presents a transformative opportunity to enhance computational efficiency, reduce power consumption, and unlock new frontiers in AI and scientific discovery.

D-Wave’s expansion into on-premises quantum systems offers organizations unprecedented access to quantum-enhanced problem-solving capabilities, empowering them to drive innovations that were previously unattainable with classical computing alone. With its continued investment in quantum research and hardware advancements, D-Wave is shaping the future of artificial intelligence research, optimization algorithms, and next-generation computational strategies.