FAU’s $20M Investment Makes It Florida’s First Quantum Computing University
Florida Atlantic University has made a bold, strategic investment that places it at the center of Florida’s emerging quantum economy. With a $20 million commitment to purchase and install a D-Wave Advantage2™ annealing quantum computer, FAU will become the first university in Florida to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum computer onsite, marking a defining moment for higher education and research in the state.
Positioning FAU at the Center of Florida’s Quantum Economy
The Advantage2 system, expected to be deployed on FAU’s Boca Raton campus, features more than 4,400 qubits and is designed to solve highly complex optimization problems beyond the reach of classical computers. These capabilities open new possibilities in logistics, transportation, materials discovery, finance, artificial intelligence, energy systems, and life sciences, areas that align closely with FAU’s existing research strengths.
“This is an exciting ‘quantum’ leap for Florida Atlantic University as we strengthen our position as a hub of innovation in Florida and beyond. As an R1 research university strategically located in South Florida, we are positioned to leverage these resources to tackle challenges in logistics, finance, transportation, materials discovery, and much more,” said FAU President Adam Hasner.
He continued, “This partnership will define how we approach science and innovation, and we are proud to take our place as Florida’s Quantum Computing University. This is a big differentiator for Florida Atlantic. We are planting the FAU flag in the proverbial sand of Florida’s Quantum Beach. Integrating the D-Wave system into our research and teaching elevates FAU into an elite group of universities that will drive the next wave of quantum science.”
A Powerful New Tool for Solving Complex Global Challenges
Unlike traditional supercomputers, quantum computers operate on the principles of quantum physics, offering a fundamentally different approach to computation. By bringing this technology onsite, FAU gains direct control over advanced infrastructure, a critical advantage for secure research, rapid experimentation, and competitive federal grant opportunities.
As an R1 research university, FAU’s investment elevates its national profile and positions it among a small group of universities with enterprise-grade quantum hardware physically located on campus. This distinction strengthens the university’s ability to recruit top faculty, attract research funding, and form deep partnerships with industry and government agencies.
A Strategic Advantage for Research, Talent, and Federal Funding
The momentum behind FAU’s quantum investment has been building for more than a year. Matt Cimaglia, Managing Partner at Quantum Coast Capital, recently shared with Venture Tech Chronicle that he first spoke with Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, over a year ago about Florida’s growing readiness for quantum technology. According to Cimaglia, higher education institutions across South Florida, including Palm Beach State College, also located in Palm Beach County, have demonstrated strong enthusiasm and support for quantum education, research, and workforce development.
That enthusiasm was on full display during a recent summit convening leaders from FAU, D-Wave, and the broader innovation ecosystem to announce the university’s purchase of the Advantage2 system. Following the event, Cimaglia emphasized the importance of collaboration in turning momentum into measurable outcomes.
“Thank you to Allison Schwartz for convening a thoughtful conversation on quantum technology in Florida, focused on commercialization, research, and workforce development at a moment when the state is poised to play a meaningful role in this emerging field,” Cimaglia shared on social media. “Conversations like this help translate momentum into action by aligning innovation with real-world impact and preparing the workforce that will carry this work forward.”
From Momentum to Measurable Impact Across South Florida
The partnership between FAU and D-Wave extends well beyond the installation of hardware. It includes joint research initiatives, workforce training programs, ideation workshops, hackathons, and experiential learning opportunities designed to connect students directly to applied quantum use cases. A D-Wave Quantum Applications Academy at FAU will further support paid internships and hands-on training.
FAU’s $20 million investment signals more than institutional ambition. It reflects a statewide commitment to ensuring Florida is not a passive observer in the quantum era. By anchoring advanced computing infrastructure in Palm Beach County and aligning universities, industry leaders, and workforce partners, FAU is helping position South Florida as a leader in one of the most consequential technologies of the next decade.
