Insider Brief
- D-Wave and the University of Arkansas’ Supply Chain Management Research Center are collaborating on quantum computing research for complex supply chain problems.
- The collaboration establishes the Quantum Supply Chain Initiative Support Fund to support research, education and industry engagement across retail, transportation and national defense.
- The initiative will explore quantum optimization for routing, logistics network design, inventory allocation, scheduling and supply chain decisions under disruption.
PRESS RELEASE — D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NASDAQ: QBTS) (“D-Wave”), the only dual-platform quantum computing company providing annealing and gate-model systems, software and services, and the Supply Chain Management Research Center in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas (SCMRC) today announced a collaboration to explore quantum computing’s impact on complex supply chain problems. The collaboration establishes the Quantum Supply Chain Initiative Support Fund with the SCMRC, which is intended to advance thought leadership, education and independent research focused on the application of quantum computing to supply chain management across retail, transportation and national defense. In addition, D-Wave has joined the partnership program of the SCMRC, which currently has more than 25 industry partners.
Supply chain decision-making often requires organizations to coordinate routes, inventory, facilities, schedules and workforce while balancing cost, speed, service and resilience. As these networks become more complex and disruptions become more consequential, quantum and hybrid-quantum computing approaches are emerging to complement established methods.
Announced during CSCMP EDGE 2026, a leading conference and exhibition hosted by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the collaboration between D-Wave and the SCMRC will explore foundational and applied research in quantum optimization for a variety of supply chain use cases, including transportation routing, logistics network design, inventory and resource allocation, scheduling and decision-making under disruption. In addition, joint efforts may include curriculum and case development, student learning opportunities, engagement with industry, government and academic stakeholders and the development and sharing of practical frameworks and insights.
“Supply chains are highly dynamic, with decision-making that can have a far-reaching impact on efficiency and costs,” said Murray Thom, vice president of quantum technology evangelism at D-Wave. “We’re seeing quantum computing technologies emerge as potentially powerful alternatives to existing classical approaches. The Walton College is at the forefront of supply chain innovation, not only educating the next generation of supply chain professionals and conducting groundbreaking research, but also engaging industry to effect economic change. We’re thrilled to support the College as it facilitates a quantum-ready supply chain.”
“The Walton College is dedicated to exploring the very latest methods, processes and technologies that advance supply chain management and resilience,” said Brian Fugate, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs with Walton College. “Quantum computing is showing great potential to help organizations accelerate decision-making, mitigate disruption and drive better operational outcomes. We’re excited to partner with D-Wave, one of the quantum computing industry’s foremost leaders, to bring quantum into our research portfolio and ultimately benefit students and partners alike.”
