D-Wave Quantum, the only company offering both annealing and gate-model quantum computing systems, software, and services, and the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC) at the University of Arkansas' Sam M. Walton College of Business have announced a collaboration to explore how quantum computing could affect complex supply chain problems. The partnership establishes the Quantum Supply Chain Initiative Support Fund with SCMRC, intended to advance thought leadership, education, and independent research on applying quantum computing to supply chain management across retail, transportation, and national defense. D-Wave has also joined SCMRC's partnership program, which currently includes more than 25 industry partners.
Supply chain decision-making often requires organizations to coordinate routes, inventory, facilities, schedules, and workforce while balancing cost, speed, service quality, and resilience. As these networks grow more complex and disruptions become more consequential, quantum and hybrid-quantum computing approaches are emerging as potential complements to established methods.
Announced during CSCMP EDGE 2026, a leading supply chain conference and exhibition hosted by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the collaboration will explore both foundational and applied research in quantum optimization for a range of supply chain use cases, including transportation routing, logistics network design, inventory and resource allocation, scheduling, and decision-making during disruptions. The joint work may also include developing curriculum and case studies, creating learning opportunities for students, engaging with industry, government, and academic stakeholders, and developing and sharing practical frameworks and insights.
Murray Thom, vice president of quantum technology evangelism at D-Wave, said supply chains are highly dynamic, with decisions that can have far-reaching effects on efficiency and costs. He said quantum computing technologies are emerging as potentially powerful alternatives to existing classical approaches, and that the Walton College is at the forefront of supply chain innovation, not only educating future supply chain professionals and conducting groundbreaking research but also engaging with industry to drive economic change. He said D-Wave is thrilled to support the college as it works toward a quantum-ready supply chain.
Brian Fugate, associate dean for research and graduate programs at Walton College, said the college is dedicated to exploring the latest methods, processes, and technologies that advance supply chain management and resilience. He said quantum computing is showing strong potential to help organizations speed up decision-making, reduce disruption, and achieve better operational outcomes, and that the college is excited to partner with D-Wave, one of the industry's leading quantum computing companies, to bring quantum technology into its research portfolio for the benefit of both students and partners.
