D-Wave Quantum has teamed up with the Supply Chain Management Research Center at the University of Arkansas to launch a new effort aimed at testing how quantum computing could be used to tackle some of the most difficult problems in supply chains.
The partnership creates the Quantum Supply Chain Initiative Support Fund, which will back research, teaching and industry engagement across retail, transport and national defence. D-Wave has also joined the centre’s partnership prog...
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ramme, which already includes more than 25 industry participants.
The announcement came during CSCMP EDGE 2026, the annual conference and exhibition run by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, underscoring the growing interest in whether quantum techniques can move beyond theory and into practical operations work. The planned research will focus on optimisation challenges such as route planning, logistics network design, inventory and resource allocation, scheduling and decisions made during disruption.
Supply chains have become more complex in recent years, with businesses often having to balance cost, delivery speed, service levels and resilience at the same time. That combination of pressures has made them a natural test bed for hybrid quantum-classical methods, which proponents argue may one day complement standard analytical tools.
Murray Thom, vice-president of quantum technology evangelism at D-Wave, said the company sees quantum computing as a possible alternative to established classical approaches for highly dynamic decision-making problems. He added: “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.”
Brian Fugate, associate dean for research and graduate programmes at Walton College, said the collaboration fits the school’s emphasis on newer tools that can improve resilience and performance. He said: “The Walton College is dedicated to exploring the very latest methods, processes and technologies that advance supply chain management and resilience. Quantum computing is showing great potential to help organisations 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.”
The University of Arkansas has long been recognised for supply chain scholarship, helped in part by its proximity to Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville. The new initiative adds a quantum angle to that research base, with the possibility of joint curriculum work, case studies, student opportunities and wider engagement with industry, government and academic stakeholders.
While the practical use of quantum computing in supply chains remains an emerging field, the collaboration signals a growing willingness among both universities and technology firms to explore whether quantum optimisation can offer an edge in sectors where disruption is costly and margins are tight.
Source: Noah Wire Services
