Alabama Welcomes First On-Premises Annealing Quantum Computer
Huntsville, Alabama – A D-Wave Advantage2 annealing quantum computer is nearing installation completion at Davidson Technologies’ headquarters, marking a significant step forward for quantum infrastructure in the United States. The system will be the first of its kind hosted on-premises in the state of Alabama, opening new avenues for developing quantum optimization applications, particularly those addressing national defense challenges.
The partnership between D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) and aerospace technology company Davidson Technologies Inc. Has been years in the making. Assembly of the Advantage2 system is complete, with final calibration and readiness testing currently underway, according to a company announcement made on Wednesday.
“Davidson has a legacy of applying advanced technologies to support our nation’s defense,” said Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “The installation of an Advantage2 system will enable Davidson to explore and develop real-world quantum applications—particularly in optimization—for some of the U.S. Government’s most complex problems and then deploy those applications in a secure environment.”
The Advantage2 system is designed for a secure facility, intended for running sensitive quantum computing applications. Davidson is investing in research and talent development to facilitate the deployment of hybrid quantum-classical solutions. These solutions are targeted at use cases including multi-domain operational optimization, space asset management, and autonomous system coordination.
A private VIP ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for at Davidson’s headquarters to commemorate the milestone. State and federal dignitaries, along with executives from both companies, are expected to attend an exclusive unveiling of the system.
This development positions Alabama as a key contributor to the growing quantum infrastructure within the U.S. The Alabama Micro/Nano Science and Technology Center is also expanding its capabilities with a focus on fabrication, packaging/integration, and quantum systems, investing in new equipment to support these advancements. The center, established in 1974, supports research in areas like silicon-based electronics, superconducting electronics, photonics, and microelectromechanical systems.
The installation of the Advantage2 system builds on a multi-year agreement and technology collaboration between D-Wave and Davidson Technologies. D-Wave is recognized as a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, offering both annealing and gate-model quantum systems.
Further bolstering the state’s technological landscape, Titomic USA recently celebrated the opening of its Huntsville facility, expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. With its Titomic Kinetic Fusion™ technology. Georgia-Pacific announced an $800 million capital investment at the Alabama River Cellulose Mill to modernize and expand its production capabilities.
The University of Alabama’s Alabama Materials Institute (AMI) also plays a role in advancing materials research and education, supporting collaborative, multidisciplinary research with instruments for electron, ion, and x-ray imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy. AMI focuses on areas including energy, defense, manufacturing, transportation, human health, and environmental sciences.
