Partnership Seeks Quantum-Computing Solutions to Supply-Chain Woes

A town-and-gown partnership involving D-Wave Quantum Inc. and the Supply Chain Management Research Center in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas (SCMRC) will work to explore ways to use powerful quantum computing to solve complex supply chain problems.

The collaboration includes the establishment of the Quantum Supply Chain Initiative Support Fund with the university, which is intended “to advance thought leadership, education and independent research focused on the application of quantum computing to supply chain management across retail, transportation and national defense,” project participants said in a news release.

“The Walton College is dedicated to exploring the very latest methods, processes and technologies that advance supply chain management and resilience,” said Brian Fugate, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs with Walton College, which was founded in 1926 as the University of Arkansas School of Business Administration and renamed in honor of Walmart and Sam’s Club founder in 1998 following a $50 million cash gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. “Quantum computing is showing great potential to help organizations accelerate decision-making, mitigate disruption and drive better operational outcomes. We’re excited to partner with D-Wave, one of the quantum computing industry’s foremost leaders, to bring quantum into our research portfolio and ultimately benefit students and partners alike.”

Said Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave:

“Supply chains are highly dynamic, with decision-making that can have a far-reaching impact on efficiency and costs. We’re seeing quantum computing technologies emerge as potentially powerful alternatives to existing classical approaches. The Walton College is at the forefront of supply chain innovation, not only educating the next generation of supply chain professionals and conducting groundbreaking research, but also engaging industry to effect economic change. We’re thrilled to support the college as it facilitates a quantum-ready supply chain.”

Click here for more information about the supply chain research center, which is at the University of Arkansas’ main campus in Fayetteville.