BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Florida Atlantic University is set to make history as the first university in the Sunshine State to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum computer on its campus. In a move designed to cement Florida’s status as a leader in emerging technology, university officials signed an agreement today with D-Wave Quantum Inc. to install an Advantage2 annealing quantum computer right here in Boca Raton.
Scheduled for deployment later this year, the Advantage2 system marks the beginning of a robust partnership between FAU and D-Wave, a unique company known for providing both annealing and gate-model systems. The goal is to create a hub for quantum computing education and research that reaches beyond the classroom. By bringing this hardware on-site, the university aims to accelerate applied innovation and provide students and researchers with direct access to cutting-edge tools.
The collaboration extends well beyond just hardware installation; it includes a comprehensive suite of academic research, workforce development, and training initiatives. FAU and D-Wave plan to host joint hackathons and ideation workshops designed to tackle real-world challenges. These events will explore practical applications in critical sectors such as public works, transportation, supply chain logistics, and emergency management, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical physics and daily operations.
While traditional supercomputers are great for weather forecasting and AI, quantum computers operate on entirely different principles that allow them to solve problems previously thought impossible. By harnessing quantum physics, these machines can handle complex tasks like drug discovery and energy grid optimization. University officials believe having this system on-site will not only advance science but also attract startups and private investment, signaling that South Florida is open for high-tech business.
