HUNTSVILLE — To say Davidson Technologies is taking a quantum leap in national security research is putting it mildly.
It’s true, though, literally.
The Huntsville-based technology company has joined D-Wave Quantum in assembling a D-Wave Advantage2 annealing quantum system at Davidson’s headquarters. D-Wave is a provider of quantum computing systems, software, and services.
With the assembly phase finished, the companies said installation is nearing completion as the system undergoes final calibration and readiness testing.
“Davidson has a legacy of applying advanced technologies to support our nation’s defense,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “The installation of an Advantage2 system will enable Davidson to explore and develop real-world quantum applications — particularly in optimization — for some of the U.S. government’s most complex problems and then deploy those applications in a secure environment.”
According to a news release, progress with the system assembly and installation represents a major milestone in the partnership between D-Wave and Davidson.
It also positions Alabama as a key contributor to quantum infrastructure in the U.S.
“Hosting the forthcoming Advantage2 system onsite reinforces Davidson’s commitment to national security innovation,” said Dale Moore, president & CEO of Davidson. “This milestone is more than symbolic — we believe it represents a step-change in how quantum technology can be deployed, evaluated, and applied to defense missions that require precision, scale, and speed.”
The Advantage2 system will be the first annealing quantum computer hosted on-premises in the state, offering new pathways for the development of quantum optimization applications designed to support mission-critical challenges in areas including national defense. The system will eventually be housed in a secure facility developed to run sensitive applications using quantum computing technology.
The milestone was commemorated at a private VIP ribbon-cutting event Wednesday at Davidson’s headquarters. Local, state and federal officials joined executives from both companies for an exclusive unveiling.
“Huntsville is home to world-class research universities and innovative companies—and now, thanks to Davidson and D-Wave, we’ll also be the site of Alabama’s first quantum computer,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This cutting-edge system places our city at the forefront of delivering advanced technological solutions to support government, defense, and high-tech manufacturing across the region.”
This installation follows a multi-year agreement and technology collaboration between the two companies. Davidson is investing in internal research and talent development to better understand and deploy hybrid quantum-classical solutions for use cases such as multi-domain operational optimization, space asset management, and autonomous system coordination.
The system is intended to serve also as a focal point for future collaborative research, including potential partnerships with government labs, universities, and defense agencies.
“One of my top priorities is making sure our military is equipped with the most advanced technologies to support mission accomplishment,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn). “An industry leading, quantum computing system coming to the Davidson campus in Huntsville will position Alabama as a leader in developing quantum applications that can provide solutions in areas such as space operations, missile defense, and optimized logistics, directly enhancing our national security.”
Sen. Katie Britt cited its impact on national defense innovation and the state’s growing leadership in advanced technology.
“Alabama plays a central role in strengthening military readiness and modernizing our nation’s defense industrial base,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “Installing a quantum computing system in Huntsville marks a major milestone, enabling the advancement of revolutionary technologies that will help protect our nation and provide new solutions to challenges facing our military.
“This system also opens the door for advanced workforce training and positions Alabama as a national leader in research and development for quantum applications.”
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