Insights from a Quantum Optimization Expert

More from Quantum Matters: Where Quantum Computing Gets Real All episodes →

1. 

   S1 · E7 · 30 Jun 2026 · 32 min

   Blockchain Meets Quantum

   What if a blockchain network could run on quantum computers—and use a fraction of the energy? On this episode of Quantum Matters, Postquant Labs co-founders Colton Dillion and Rick Karbach share how D-Wave's annealing quantum technology is integrated into the Quip Network, a quantum-classical blockchain network. They explain their “proof of useful work” model, where quantum and classical computers compete side by side to solve optimization problems as a way to validate transactions more efficiently. Early testing with D-Wave’s quantum processing unit suggests it can produce higher-quality…

2. 

   S1 · E6 · 16 Jun 2026 · 34 min

   Quantum Computing for Computational Advantage

   What does quantum advantage actually mean? How do you prove a quantum computer can outperform the world’s most powerful supercomputers? And why is its energy efficiency arriving at such an important time for the world? In this episode of Quantum Matters, host Murray Thom sits down with Dr. Andrew King, Senior Distinguished Scientist at D-Wave, to discuss the company’s landmark peer-reviewed research demonstrating quantum computational advantage on a problem relevant to materials discovery. Together, they unpack the result behind the headlines, including a calculation completed in minutes on…

3. 

   S1 · E5 · 2 Jun 2026 · 40 min

   Missile Defense Optimization with Quantum

   What role can quantum computing play in national defense? In this episode of Quantum Matters, host Murray Thom speaks with Dale Moore, president and CEO of Davidson Technologies, about the effort to bring quantum computing into practical defense applications. Dale details his team’s collaboration with D-Wave and Anduril applying quantum computing to air and missile defense planning, and discusses the importance of housing a D-Wave Advantage2 system at Davidson’s facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. From advanced simulations to mission-critical decision-making, discover what quantum computing…

4. 

   S1 · E4 · 19 May 2026 · 32 min

   Rethinking Warehouse Operations with Quantum

   Modern warehouses process many thousands, sometimes millions, of items in constantly changing conditions, where each decision affects the flow of goods in the warehouse, and across the supply chain. In this episode of Quantum Matters, Murray Thom speaks with Gabriel Fernandes of the Wernher von Braun Advanced Research Center about a warehouse challenge faced by an automotive manufacturer. With warehouse capacity limits looming and the challenge of maintaining product flow, Gabriel shares how he turned to quantum-powered optimization to help rethink operations at scale. Using real operational…

5. 

   S1 · E3 · 5 May 2026 · 25 min

   Quantum + Robots For Optimized Quality Control

   There’s an opportunity to improve robotic quality inspection with quantum computing technology. In this episode of Quantum Matters, host Murray Thom speaks with Dr. Eneko Osaba, Principal Researcher at Tecnalia, about applying hybrid quantum optimization to robotic quality inspection. Eneko shares how his team tackled a practical path-planning problem, optimizing how a physical robot inspects parts under real constraints. Using D-Wave’s Stride™ Hybrid Solver, they reduced solve times from hours to seconds in this case while achieving approximately 86% of the benchmark solution quality,…

6. 

   S1 · E1 · 7 Apr 2026 · 34 min

   Quantum Computing Meets Real-World Impact

   Can quantum computers really change the way we move, work, and solve problems in the real world? In this premiere episode of Quantum Matters, host Murray Thom sits down with global tech executive Martin Hofmann to explore how quantum computing is tackling challenges that are too complex for classical systems. Hofmann shares his experience partnering with D-Wave on projects in Beijing, Barcelona, and Lisbon, where hybrid quantum-classical systems are used to improve traffic prediction and optimize routes—cutting travel times by up to 30% in some cases. He also introduces the idea of outcome…

7. 

   S1 · 21 Jan 2026 · 2 min

   Introducing Quantum Matters: Where Quantum Computing Gets Real

   Introducing Quantum Matters, a podcast from D-Wave, the world’s first commercial quantum computing company. Every episode will explore where quantum is making a tangible difference today. You’ll hear from industry leaders, researchers, and academics who are applying quantum technology to find answers to their most challenging computational problems. You’ll also learn about real-world case studies to help you cut through the hype, separate fact from fiction, and develop an informed position on what this incredible technology could mean for you today. Because quantum isn’t coming someday—it’s…