Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) becomes the first high-performance computing center worldwide to acquire a D-Wave Advantage™ quantum annealing system. This acquisition, announced in collaboration with D-Wave Quantum Inc., represents a key step in integrating quantum computing into supercomputing environments. The system, featuring over 5,000 qubits and 15-way connectivity, will be part of the Jülich Unified Infrastructure for Quantum Computing (JUNIQ), a public facility aimed at exploring quantum optimization applications and advancing scientific research.

Figure 1. Forschungszentrum Jülich Acquires D-Wave Quantum Computer, First HPC Center to Own the System

A key highlight of this development is the planned integration of the D-Wave quantum system with JUPITER, Europe’s first and only exascale supercomputer. Currently under construction at FZJ, JUPITER is expected to perform more than one quintillion calculations per second [1]. This will mark the first coupling of an annealing quantum computer with an exascale HPC system, opening up new possibilities for tackling challenges in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum optimization, and materials science. The ability to modify system parameters and directly link the quantum processor with JUPITER will enable researchers to explore innovative computational methods for solving complex problems. Figure 1 shows Forschungszentrum Jülich Acquires D-Wave Quantum Computer, First HPC Center to Own the System.

JSC’s D-Wave system will be upgraded to the next-generation Advantage2™ quantum processor once it becomes available. The Advantage2 system is expected to bring significant advancements, such as improved coherence, enhanced connectivity, and a 40% increase in energy scale, which will aid in solving more complex computational problems. These upgrades are likely to broaden the scope of scientific and industrial applications benefiting from quantum computing. JUNIQ and JSC experts have already demonstrated the potential of D-Wave’s technology, applying it to diverse scientific fields, including condensed matter physics and biochemistry.

Past research at JSC using the D-Wave system has led to significant breakthroughs. In 2022, a collaboration with Lund University successfully applied quantum annealing to protein folding simulations, providing new insights into diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. More recently, in 2024, JSC scientists and Slovenian researchers demonstrated that D-Wave’s system could accurately model electron interactions in materials, with their findings published in Nature Communications. Additionally, a multinational team from JSC, the University of Leeds, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria used D-Wave’s technology to study quantum processes in early universe formation, with their results featured in Nature Physics. These examples highlight the system’s potential for driving fundamental scientific discovery.

By integrating quantum computing with traditional HPC, JSC is positioning itself at the forefront of computational research [2]. This initiative supports FZJ’s broader mission of advancing digital science, sustainable energy, and bio-economy research. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, FZJ continues to offer European researchers access to state-of-the-art computing resources. With this acquisition, JSC solidifies its position as a global leader in quantum-HPC hybrid computing, paving the way for groundbreaking advances in science and industry.

References:

1. https://ir.dwavesys.com/news/news-details/2025/Forschungszentrum-Jlich-Purchases-D-Wave-Quantum-Computer-Becoming-First-High-Performance-Computing-Center-in-the-World-to-Own-D-Waves-Advantage-System/default.aspx
2. https://quantumzeitgeist.com/forschungszentrum-julich-purchases-d-wave-quantum-computer-becoming-first-high-performance-computing-center-in-the-world-to-own-d-waves-system/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2025), Forschungszentrum Jülich Acquires D-Wave Quantum Computer, First HPC Center to Own System, AnaTechMaz, pp.193