Florida Atlantic University (FAU) announced it will be the first university in Florida to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum computer.
FAU signed an agreement with D-Wave Quantum to acquire and install the Advantage2 annealing quantum computer on the university’s Boca Raton campus later this year, in an effort to accelerate and solidify the state’s position as a leader in quantum computing.
The Advantage2 system features more than 4,400 qubits and is designed for optimization problems that are difficult for classical machines, including resource scheduling and materials modeling.
“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,” said Piero Bussani, chair of FAU’s Board of Trustees.
The university said the effort will be spearheaded by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
FAU said the system will support research, hands-on training, and applied innovation across use cases such as logistics, transportation, materials discovery, and emergency management.
“This is an exciting ‘quantum’ leap for Florida Atlantic University as we strengthen our position as a hub of innovation in Florida and beyond,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “This partnership will define how we approach science and innovation, and we are proud to take our place as Florida’s Quantum Computing University. This is a big differentiator for Florida Atlantic. We are planting the FAU flag in the proverbial sand of Florida’s Quantum Beach.”
The announcement coincides with D-Wave establishing a new corporate headquarters at the Boca Raton Innovation Center, creating a Florida hub for quantum technology development.
FAU framed the deployment as a workforce and industry catalyst that will expand opportunities for students and attract private-sector partners. The university and D-Wave plan joint ideation workshops and hackathons to explore real-world applications for public works, supply chains, and other state and local needs.
Gregg Fields, FAU’s vice president for research, said direct access to hardware will “enable faster experimentation and deeper collaboration among researchers,” while providing hands-on experience for students and engineers to build a skilled talent pipeline.
FAU and D-Wave plan to establish a D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy at the university to provide paid internships and experiential learning, alongside state and local incentives for job growth and training tied to the agreement.
