Spring 2026
Florida Atlantic: A Quantum Leap
Florida Atlantic Takes the Helm as Florida’s First Quantum University
It sounds like science fiction: a full-scale quantum computer humming to life on a university campus, unlocking possibilities once thought impossible. But at Florida Atlantic University, the future of computing is here now.
Earlier this year, FAU announced a landmark partnership with D-Wave Quantum Inc. to bring an Advantage2TM annealing quantum computer to its Boca Raton campus. This makes it the first university in Florida to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum system, placing the state squarely at the forefront of the rapidly evolving quantum computing landscape.
A quantum computer uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information, enabling it to solve complex problems potentially faster than classical computers. Unlike classical computers that process information sequentially, quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics to more efficiently evaluate a vast number of possibilities, making them a transformative tool for solving complex problems.
D-Wave’s Advantage2 system is an engineering marvel powered by 4,400 qubits, or quantum bits. It is capable of solving computational problems beyond the reach of traditional computers and is already being applied to real-world use cases in areas such as boosting logistics, improving resource scheduling, accelerating materials discovery and enhancing artificial intelligence applications. In essence, it’s a revolutionary “problem-solving engine” that could change the way researchers, industry organizations and governments approach their most complex computational problems.
“Spearheaded by our Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and College of Engineering and Computer Science, our quantum computing system will serve as a powerful tool for tackling complex scientific and engineering challenges,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research. “Direct access to the hardware enables faster experimentation and deeper collaboration among researchers, while giving students and engineers hands-on experience with next-generation technology and helping to build a highly skilled workforce.”
The partnership announcement coincided with D-Wave’s leadership sharing that the company will establish its new corporate headquarters at the Boca Raton Innovation Center, a historic site where IBM engineers developed the first personal computer decades ago. The headquarters will act as a key U.S. development hub for quantum computing, further cementing South Florida’s place on the tech map.
For Boca Raton, this is a continuation of a proud technological legacy. The city is now staking a claim as the epicenter of quantum computing on the East Coast, establishing what FAU President Adam Hasner calls “Quantum Beach” — a place where innovation, research and practical applications intersect.
“This milestone marks a transformative moment for Florida Atlantic University and for the state of Florida,” said Piero Bussani, chair of the FAU Board of Trustees. “By hosting one of the most advanced quantum computers on a university campus, FAU is not only accelerating research but also preparing our students to lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This partnership with D-Wave positions our university — and our region — at the forefront of quantum innovation, bridging academia, industry, and real-world solutions in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.”
With this revolutionary technology on campus, students, faculty researchers and industry partners will have unprecedented access to a machine capable of tackling problems that classical computers struggle to solve. FAU’s D-Wave Advantage2 system isn’t just a machine; it will be a launchpad for discovery and economic growth, transforming the way the university — and Florida — engages with the quantum future.
“This is an exciting ‘quantum’ leap for Florida Atlantic University as we strengthen our position as a hub of innovation in Florida and beyond,” Hasner said. “As an R1 research university strategically located in South Florida, we are positioned to leverage these resources to tackle challenges in logistics, finance, transportation, materials discovery, and much more. Our partnership with D-Wave will define how we approach science and innovation, and we are proud to take our place as Florida’s Quantum University. This is a big differentiator for Florida Atlantic. We are planting the FAU flag in the proverbial sand of Florida’s ‘Quantum Beach.’ Integrating the D-Wave system into our research and teaching elevates FAU into an elite group of universities that will drive the next wave of quantum science.”
Powering the Future, One Qubit at a Time
The D-Wave Advantage2 system, expected to arrive at FAU later this year, is the cornerstone of a new partnership with D-Wave, a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software and services, and the only dual-platform quantum computing company providing both annealing and gate-model systems. More than just a powerful machine, the Advantage2 system will open new pathways for research and collaboration. Students, faculty members and industry leaders will work together to explore how quantum computing could be used to tackle a variety of challenges, from developing life-saving medications to optimizing global supply chains.
Rather than store information using bits represented by 0s or 1s as classical digital computers do, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, to encode information as 0s, 1s, or both at the same time. This superposition of states — along with the other quantum mechanical phenomena of entanglement and tunneling — enables quantum computers to manipulate enormous combinations of states at once.
Possibilities
- DRUG DISCOVERY: Quantum computers can model molecules at the atomic level, speeding drug discovery and even designing treatments targeted to cancer cells with pinpoint precision.
- TRANSPORTATION: From delivery fleets to emergency evacuations, quantum systems can optimize complex routes in seconds instead of days.
- ENERGY AND MATERIALS: Quantum computers can uncover new catalysts, stronger alloys and more efficient batteries by simulating interactions that would overwhelm classical computers.
- FINANCE AND AI: By efficiently analyzing massive datasets, quantum computers can improve fraud detection, portfolio optimization and AI model training.
Economic and Strategic Impact
FAU isn’t just building quantum technology — it’s building the people who will shape the quantum future. The establishment of the D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy at FAU will offer paid internships and hands-on training for students and local residents, preparing them for potentially high-paying, leading-edge careers in quantum computing.
With support from the state of Florida and the city of Boca Raton, FAU is cultivating a skilled local talent pool to drive long-term growth in research and applications. Housing D-Wave’s Advantage2 system on campus may also attract startups, private industry, and investment, while giving the university local control over advanced computing infrastructure — a key advantage for secure research and federal funding.
“This investment positions Florida and Florida Atlantic University at the forefront of the next generation of computing,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By bringing a quantum computer to FAU, we’re creating new opportunities for research, workforce development, and partnerships that will benefit our economy, national defense, data security, critical life sciences R&D, and transportation and logistics systems — keeping our state competitive for years to come.”
Through immersive, real-world experiences, the Quantum Applications Academy will equip the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers to turn discovery into innovation and opportunity.
“This marks a defining moment for FAU and D-Wave,” said Alan Baratz, Ph.D., 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. It signals that the university is not just preparing for the quantum era — it is helping to shape it. For D-Wave, it signifies an important collaboration with a leading academic institution to further quantum computing experimentation and innovation.”
The Next Frontier
Investments in quantum technologies have surged over the past five years, with billions flowing into startups, public companies and government research initiatives. In 2025 alone, quantum computing generated more than $1 billion in revenue — a figure projected to soar to between $50 billion and $130 billion by 2040. The reason is simple: quantum computers can tackle problems faster, more efficiently and in ways classical machines simply cannot.
“To attract D-Wave, a global leader in quantum computing, one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after technology sectors in the world, truly positions Palm Beach County at the forefront of innovation,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “Their partnership with Florida Atlantic University to advance quantum research and workforce development is a gamechanger, bringing pioneering technology, top-tier talent and high-value investment to the region. This milestone doesn’t just put Palm Beach County on the global quantum map — it cements our long-term economic growth potential and signals to the world that our region is open for business at the highest level of technological innovation.”
By bringing a quantum computer to campus, FAU is putting this frontier within reach of its students and faculty researchers. Here, they can experiment, innovate and translate theory into real-world impact. From life sciences to logistics, finance to materials science, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
“FAU’s D-Wave Advantage2 system isn’t just a tool — it’s a gateway,” Hasner said. “A gateway to new discoveries, new industries and new ways of thinking. It’s a place where curiosity meets capability, where students become pioneers and where the next generation of quantum leaders will redefine what’s possible. The quantum frontier is here — and Florida Atlantic University is leading the way.”
