D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) launched a new program to help push deployment of quantum computing applications.
Announced on Wednesday, the initiative includes a three month trial, which grants access to D-Wave’s tech. This includes its Advantage quantum computers and Leap cloud service and technical support to make sense of it all.
The Leap Quantum LaunchPad program helps businesses and researchers tackle complex optimization challenges that traditional computing systems cannot handle.
It’s aimed at helping businesses tackle complex optimization challenges, the program supports rapid exploration, development, and production of quantum and hybrid-quantum applications.
According to Lorenzo Martinelli, the company’s chief revenue officer, the program has the potential to enable organizations to address critical problems with quantum technologies.
“Through this initiative, we intend to help visionary organizations and individuals develop transformative quantum computing applications to address challenging business and scientific problems, and rapidly move those applications into production deployment,” said Martinelli.
Alongside the launch of Leap Quantum LaunchPad, D-Wave has also expanded access to its Quantum Programming Core and Quick Start Training programs. These programs are now offering increased access to D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology, providing hands-on, expert-led training to turn theoretical knowledge into practical application.
D-Wave leads the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. As the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, it remains the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers.
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Quantum annealing useful for optimizing schedules
D-Wave’s quantum computers use something called quantum annealing. The company website explains that this is a process that uses quantum dynamics to solve complex optimization problems.
In this approach, qubits—or quantum bits—are initialized in a superposition state and gradually guided towards the lowest energy configuration. This then represents the optimal solution. This method is particularly effective for discrete optimization, sampling, material science, and machine learning challenges.
In laymen’s terms, the quantum computer starts with many possible solutions mixed together (this is called “superposition”). It then gradually narrows them down to find the best one, like identifying the lowest point in a landscape. This method is especially useful for problems that involve finding the best combination of many options. A few examples include optimizing schedules, studying materials, or improving machine learning models.
The company has managed to push this convoluted technology into solid sales.
D-Wave announced that its fiscal year 2024 bookings will exceed USD$23 million. Furthermore, that represents an approximate 120 per cent increase over fiscal year 2023.
Furthermore, to strengthen its financial position, D-Wave successfully completed a $150 million at-the-market equity offering on January 23, 2025 to strengthen its financial position. It plans to use the funds to support ongoing technical development and business operations.
Additionally, Needham raised its price target for D-Wave Quantum from $2.25 to $8.50 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares, reflecting a growing awareness of quantum computing’s potential among mainstream investors.
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