D-Wave Quantum Inc. has received second-year funding for a major US quantum technology project focused on superconducting qubits and scalable chip manufacturing.
The funding comes through the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub(NORDTECH). The project supports wider efforts to strengthen advanced semiconductor and quantum computing development in the US.
The funding was awarded to Quantum Circuits LLC, a D-Wave subsidiary working on gate-model quantum computing systems. The project is called Improved Materials for Superconducting Qubits with Scalable Fabrication(SQFab). It is one of four programs selected for continued support after meeting important first-year targets.
Superconducting Quantum Research Gains Momentum
The four selected projects are receiving more than $25 million in combined second-year funding. The funding follows progress made in quantum component design, fabrication, and testing during the program’s first phase. Officials said the projects demonstrated measurable advances in developing key quantum computing technologies.
D-Wave’s SQFab project focuses on improving materials used in superconducting qubits. Qubits are the basic units of quantum computers and are different from the bits used in traditional computers.
READ ALSO: Hanwha Aerospace Begins 4,500-lbf Turbofan Engine Development for Future Drones
While regular computers process information as zeros and ones, qubits can handle multiple states at the same time, allowing quantum systems to solve highly complex problems more efficiently.
Superconducting qubits are widely used in advanced quantum systems because they can operate at very high speeds with low energy loss. However, manufacturing these components on a large scale remains difficult.
Researchers are working to improve consistency, reliability, and production methods so the technology can move from research labs into practical commercial systems.
Dr. Alan Baratz, Chief Executive Officer of D-Wave, said the funding highlights growing recognition of quantum computing in future microelectronics development.
He said the company is working with regional partners to speed up the development of scalable quantum systems. The collaboration also supports commercial and national security goals tied to advanced computing technologies.
Why Microelectronics Commons Program Matters
The Microelectronics Commons program is a US government initiative designed to strengthen domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing. The effort connects universities, government laboratories, technology companies, and manufacturing organizations. It aims to reduce supply chain risks while building a stronger technology workforce inside the country.
READ ALSO: Kia EV4 Shines in Arctic Test, Drives 242 Miles, Recharges in 33-Min
NORDTECH is one of eight regional hubs participating in the broader Microelectronics Commons network. The initiative is managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator and executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division. The program supports research in several advanced technology areas, including quantum computing and semiconductor development.
D-Wave’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Rob Schoelkopf, said the project is helping establish the infrastructure needed for scalable superconducting quantum systems.
He explained that the research includes packaging, testing, and manufacturing processes needed for future quantum computers. The work also helps transfer advanced nanofabrication techniques from laboratories into large-scale production facilities.
The SQFab project also focuses on technologies needed for scalable quantum error correction. Quantum error correction is considered one of the biggest technical challenges in quantum computing today. It helps protect delicate quantum information from interference and improves system stability during calculations.
Quantum Competition Expands Globally
Quantum computing has become an important strategic sector for governments and technology companies worldwide.
Countries including the US, China, and members of the European Union are investing heavily in quantum research and semiconductor independence. The technology is expected to support future advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and defense systems.
WATCH ALSO: Humanoid robot plays table tennis like human beings
D-Wave is known for developing both annealing quantum systems and gate-model quantum computers. Annealing systems are mainly used for optimization problems such as supply chain planning and scheduling. Gate-model systems are designed for broader applications and are viewed as critical for long-term quantum computing development.
The latest funding arrives as the global semiconductor industry faces increasing pressure to secure supply chains and expand domestic manufacturing. Governments are encouraging local production of advanced chips to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers. Quantum technologies are becoming part of those long-term national technology strategies.
The continued support for D-Wave’s SQFab project signals ongoing interest in turning experimental quantum research into scalable industrial technology.
Researchers involved in the program are working to improve manufacturing methods that can support future commercial quantum systems. The results of these efforts are expected to influence the next generation of quantum hardware development in the years ahead.
