D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) has announced the results of a new study highlighting business leaders’ expectations for return on investment (ROI) from quantum optimization. The study found that among surveyed business leaders whose companies are implementing quantum optimization or planning to do so within the next two years, 27% predict an ROI of more than $5 million, and 46% anticipate between $1 million and $5 million within the first 12 months of adoption.
The study, which surveyed 400 business leaders across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific in May 2025, indicates that 81% believe they have reached the limits of optimization solutions running on classical computers. In response, 19% of respondents have integrated quantum computing into their workflows, with an additional 53% planning to adopt the technology. Of those who have already adopted quantum, 22% report a notable impact, while 50% anticipate the technology will affect their industry. Adoption rates vary by market, with 25% in North America having deployed quantum computing, 42% in Europe planning adoption within two years, and 34% in APAC planning adoption within two years.
Respondents indicate that quantum computing-based optimization is expected to contribute to solving operational challenges, with 60% anticipating it to be very or extremely helpful. This figure increases to 73% among those most familiar with quantum technology. Expected benefits from quantum optimization include supply chain and logistics (50%), manufacturing (38%), planning and inventory (36%), and research and development (36%). Key hurdles to improving optimization capabilities include reliance on outdated technology (39%), budgetary restrictions (38%), dependence on classical optimization (36%), and staffing or skill gaps (35%).
The findings suggest a growing recognition among business leaders of quantum computing’s potential for operational improvements and addressing complex optimization problems. D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz commented on the increasing interest in applying quantum to complex optimization use cases. The study’s results highlight industries’ push to adopt new optimization tools to overcome conventional computational limitations.
This study follows a previous study that the company conducted in 2024 that concluded that businesses actively using quantum computing anticipate an ROI of 10 to 20 times their investment in quantum optimization initiatives.
Read the full press release here and download the full report here.
July 21, 2025
