Wednesday, May 17, 2017

"D-Wave Lands $50M Funding for Next Generation Quantum Computers"

From Inside HPC:
Today D-Wave Systems announced that it has received up to $50 Million in funding from PSP Investments. This facility brings D-Wave’s total funding to approximately US$200 million. The new capital is expected to enable D-Wave to deploy its next-generation quantum computing system with more densely-connected qubits, as well as platforms and products for machine learning applications.
This commitment from PSP Investments is a strong validation of D-Wave’s leadership in quantum computing,” said Vern Brownell, CEO of D-Wave. “While other organizations are researching quantum computing and building small prototypes in the lab, the support of our customers and investors enables us to deliver quantum computing technology for real-world applications today. In fact, we’ve already demonstrated practical uses of quantum computing with innovative companies like Volkswagen. This new investment provides a solid base as we build the next generation of our technology.”
This latest funding comes on the heels of significant momentum for D-Wave. Milestones achieved so far in 2017 include:
The D-Wave 2000Q quantum computer launched with first customer. D-Wave launched a new computing system with 2000 qubits, enabling faster performance, and providing a major step toward production applications in optimization, cybersecurity, machine learning, and sampling. Cybersecurity company Temporal Defense Systems purchased the first D-Wave 2000Q system.

Cooperation with Virginia Tech. D-Wave established a joint effort with Virginia Tech’s Hume Center for National Security and Technology to provide greater access to quantum computers for researchers from the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.

Google, NASA, and USRA elected to upgrade. their D-Wave 2X quantum computer to the new D-Wave 2000Q system, to support their pioneering research on how quantum computing can be applied to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and difficult optimization problems....
...MORE

Recently:
The route to high-speed quantum computing is paved with error
Quantum Computing Startup Rigetti Computing Raises $64 Million in Funding
The other day I mentioned that D-Wave wasn't yet a "real" quantum computer but that they were closer than anyone currently in production. Here's one of the up-and-comers.... 
Volkswagen Using D-Wave Quantum Computer To Fight Beijing Traffic (plus the VW Level 5 autonomous vehicle)

We have many, many more posts on both D-Wave in particular and quantum computing including this from Quanta magazine:
What Can Quantum Computers Be Used For?

Use the 'search blog' box if interested in more.