From telecom networks to port operations, D-Wave speeds up quantum computing commercialization

[Financial News] Quantum computing is now being put to work in earnest to solve real-world industrial problems, from network optimization and drug development to semiconductor manufacturing and port operations. On the 28th, D-Wave Quantum Inc. presented research achievements and real-world applications of quantum computing across industries at “Qubits Asia 2026: Quantum Realized,” held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The company also unveiled technological advances spanning quantum annealing and gate-model systems, as well as research combining quantum computing with generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Executives from D-Wave, customers, research institutions and industry experts took part in the event, sharing examples of quantum computing applications in a range of fields, including network optimization, manufacturing inspection, generative AI, semiconductor manufacturing and port operations.
D-Wave is pursuing a dual-platform strategy, offering both quantum annealing and gate-model quantum computing systems. CEO Alan Baratz opened the event with a keynote address, while Chief Development Officer (CDO) Trevor Lanting presented technological advances in quantum annealing and gate-model quantum computing, along with research achievements related to quantum AI.
D-Wave also unveiled analog and digital capabilities that allow researchers to control quantum simulations more precisely on quantum annealing computers. The company said these capabilities broaden the potential for studying the properties of complex materials.
In gate-model quantum computing, the company presented research demonstrating that a superconducting dual-rail architecture can be used to implement fast, high-fidelity two-qubit entangling gates while retaining the benefits of error detection. The study was recently published in the journal Nature. D-Wave also launched a beta program for its gate-model simulator, enabling some customers to explore error-aware programming and develop applications for future hardware.
Applications across various industries were also presented. Japanese telecom carrier NTT DoCoMo showcased two applications using D-Wave’s quantum computing technology that are being deployed in real-world operating environments, as well as the resulting improvements in network efficiency. LG CNS presented research on hybrid quantum optimization technology for reconstructing three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images.
Professor Jung Jae-ho of Yonsei University College of Medicine presented a quantum-AI hybrid engine for drug development, while Yonsei University Professor Park Kyung-deok discussed using quantum annealing in generative AI. Professor Fang Po-Shun of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University presented a quantum annealing-based reticle optimization framework, and Assistant Professor Jeong Seon-geun of Gyeongsang National University shared research using real operational data from Busan Port to optimize berth allocation and quay crane placement.
D-Wave is also researching ways to use quantum computers to make the training and inference of generative AI models faster and more efficient.
CEO Baratz said, “Asia-Pacific countries, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, are moving quickly to secure global leadership in quantum computing. Through quantum computing technologies and applications that deliver results in real-world industries, we are supporting these regions in achieving their goals.”

[email protected] Jang Min-kwon Reporter