D-Wave Quantum Inc. has introduced a quantum-powered blockchain architecture designed to improve security, scalability, and efficiency in distributed ledger technology. Described in the newly published research paper “Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work”, this framework replaces classical proof-of-work (PoW) mechanisms with a quantum-native verification model executed on D-Wave’s annealing quantum processors. The “Proof of Quantum Work” (PoQW) algorithm enables blockchain hashes to be generated and validated entirely on quantum hardware, eliminating reliance on power-intensive classical mining. In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, D-Wave deployed the quantum blockchain architecture across four cloud-based quantum computers in Canada and the U.S., successfully synchronizing blockchain validation across multiple hardware generations.
The PoQW approach is based on programmable spin-glass models, a class of complex optimization problems that quantum annealers solve by identifying low-energy states in an Ising-model Hamiltonian. In this blockchain context, transaction data is mapped to the system’s quantum state, and the annealer finds the optimal configuration—effectively computing a quantum-generated hash. This hashing method differs from classical cryptographic hashing (e.g., SHA-256) because the solution emerges naturally from quantum fluctuations, making it computationally infeasible to replicate using classical hardware. The cross-verification of hashes across four distributed quantum processors demonstrated the feasibility of scalable, quantum-secured blockchain consensus.
One of the most significant findings in this study is a projected 1,000x reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional PoW blockchains. Bitcoin’s annual energy consumption is estimated to rival that of an entire country like Poland, while quantum hashing requires only a fraction of that power. Unlike classical ASIC- and GPU-based mining, where computational difficulty is artificially increased, quantum hashing inherently operates at the hardware’s physical limit, eliminating wasteful cycles. While PoW-based cryptocurrencies dominate today’s blockchain landscape, the findings suggest that quantum blockchain architectures could offer a sustainable alternative for decentralized networks requiring high security and computational integrity.
Beyond energy efficiency, the quantum blockchain model provides advantages in supply chain security, decentralized identity verification, and digital asset management. Traditional blockchains rely on deterministic cryptographic hashing, which remains vulnerable to long-term quantum attacks. The PoQW model ensures that blockchain records originate from quantum computation, which introduces quantum-verifiable randomness—a property that strengthens transaction authentication and resistance to forgery. In practical terms, this means faster transaction settlement times for high-value financial networks, more tamper-proof supply chain audits, and enhanced privacy-preserving authentication in identity management systems.
D-Wave’s annealing quantum processors, including those used in this blockchain research, are available today via the Leap™ real-time quantum cloud service. The company plans to further develop this technology and work with partners to explore commercial applications. The successful cross-validation of quantum hashes on multiple QPUs represents a step toward hybrid quantum-classical distributed trust systems, with potential for real-world adoption.
For more details, visit the original announcement here, explore the research here, read the paper here, and access the blockchain explainer PDF here
March 21, 2025
Once again, Quantum Computing Reports lets me know about an excellent announcement. This one (to this readers mind) describes some progress in protecting information secured by blockchain technology; and save energy too. Thank you, Doug and the Team, at QCR.