Local, National Leaders Back Quantum Computer Installation in Alabama

Insider Brief

• Local and national leaders added their support for the installation of a D-Wave quantum computer in Alabama.
• D-Wave’s Advantage quantum computing system is expected to be installed at Davidson’s headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama in 2025.
• The system will eventually be housed in a secure facility designed to run sensitive applications using D-Wave’s quantum computing technology.
• Image: Davidson

PRESS RELEASE — Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle joined D-Wave Quantum Inc. and Huntsville-based Davidson at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium to emphasize the strategic significance of placing a D-Wave quantum computer at Davidson’s new global headquarters in Huntsville, AL. The forthcoming installation marks a major milestone in the region’s quantum computing leadership.

D-Wave’s state-of-the-art Advantage quantum computing system, expected to be installed at Davidson’s headquarters in 2025, will eventually be housed in a secure facility designed to run sensitive applications using D-Wave’s quantum computing technology. Meanwhile, efforts surrounding use case identification, application development, and engagement with the local community have already commenced.

“Huntsville is in a great spot to lead the charge in new tech like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, thanks to our strong ties to government, defense and technology,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “By bringing the latest quantum computing system to our city, we’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the region.”

“I continually fight to ensure our military has the latest and greatest technologies to help them meet mission objectives,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “Davidson hosting a D-Wave quantum computing system will position Alabama as a leader in developing quantum applications to solve national security problems. Space applications and optimized logistics for our troops are just a few of the problems that could benefit from quantum technologies.”

“Advancements in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are critical to our national security industry and our service branches,” said Rep. Dale Strong. “Through the Davidson and D-Wave partnership, we will be able to address the important needs of our military by using cutting edge technology and applications that are developed in the U.S. Alabama stands ready with world class research universities to help build the quantum ready workforce that is necessary for our military to address problems now and in the future.”

“As chair of the House Armed Services Committee I am focused on ensuring our military has access to the technology to help address our future national security needs,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, Chair of the House Armed Services Committee. “Quantum computing is one of those technologies, and I’m excited to have this expertise in Alabama through this Davidson and D-Wave partnership. At this symposium we are hearing about the critical needs of our military and through adopting emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence, we can properly position our military to ensure we are successful.”

“Quantum advancements are essential to the growth of our country. From launching the Senate National Labs Caucus to introducing legislation to ensure the DOD prioritizes quantum development to counter Communist China, I will continue to advocate for this critical technology,” said Sen. Marsha Blackburn. “This partnership between D-Wave and Davidson will open the door to incredible advancements in military technology and place Alabama on the front lines of the fight to make America stronger.

“Hosting the second U.S.-based Advantage quantum computer will give our government clients direct, secure access to quantum computing technology right here at our facility,” said Dale Moore, President of Davidson. “We are honored to play an important role in advancing the use of quantum technology in national security, as we support the vital mission of defending the U.S. and its allies, both domestically and internationally.”

“As Congress continues to task the Department of Defense with adopting quantum computing technologies to solve problems in the near-term, we believe this system will play an essential role for government agencies’ use case identification, application development, and workforce training,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “Davidson is well known for developing applications that use emerging technologies to safeguard the nation, and we are excited to engage with Davidson and the larger Alabama community to apply quantum technologies in support of national security efforts.”