Commercial quantum computing provider D-Wave Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: QBTS) and semiconductor foundry operator SkyWater Technology have signed a multi-year agreement extending their decade-long quantum hardware development and manufacturing collaboration.
The agreement secures continued access to specialized process engineering, thin-film fabrication, and semiconductor manufacturing at SkyWater’s Minnesota fab. The facility supports D-Wave’s dual-platform technology roadmap, encompassing both quantum annealing systems and gate-model quantum computers. SkyWater’s fabrication capabilities have underpinned multiple generations of D-Wave QPUs, including the production of its Advantage2 processors.
| [ Technical & Operational Integration Scope ] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration Pillar | Engineering & Manufacturing Domain | Operational Impact & Deliverables |
| • Process Integration | • Superconducting thin-film fabrication & materials engineering | • Ensures manufacturing continuity for Advantage2 and next-generation annealing and gate-model QPUs. |
| • IP Protection | • Proprietary process development terms | • Protects D-Wave’s quantum system designs and process IP as chip complexity scales. |
| • Fab Optimization | • Quantum annealing algorithmic scheduling | • Reduced SkyWater fab maintenance lot delays by up to 30%, increasing factory throughput. |
Beyond hardware fabrication, the partners executed a proof-of-technology project applying D-Wave’s quantum annealing algorithms to optimize operational workflows at SkyWater’s fab. The quantum-optimized maintenance schedule reduced lot delays by up to 30%, with an upcoming phase expanding the model to incorporate technician availability and complex operational constraints.
The contract extension confirms that SkyWater continues to operate as a merchant foundry for external quantum hardware developers following IonQ’s acquisition of SkyWater Technology and the launch of the SkyWater Quantum Solutions division.
Review the full joint press release on the D-Wave Newsroom here.
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