D-Wave Picks Boca Raton for New U.S. Headquarters, Betting on Florida’s Fast-Growing Tech Scene
D-Wave Quantum Inc. is relocating its global headquarters and U.S. R&D center to Boca Raton’s BRiC, promising hundreds of high-paying tech jobs, expanded research partnerships and a bicoastal footprint to be completed by the end of 2026.
Key takeaways
- D-Wave will move its global headquarters and a major U.S. R&D facility to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) by end of 2026.
- The move is expected to create hundreds of high-paying technology and R&D jobs and deepen Florida Atlantic University ties with a $20 million FAU commitment.
- Company performance: stock up ~330% year-over-year; Advantage2 usage up ~314% Y/Y; Stride hybrid solver usage up 114% in six months.
- BRiC upgrades and a bicoastal footprint aim to improve operational redundancy and attract an adjacent tech cluster.
Move overview and timeline
On Jan. 27, 2026, D-Wave Quantum Inc. announced plans to relocate its global headquarters and a U.S. research and development facility to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC). The transition is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. (Source: D-Wave press release)
Why D-Wave chose Boca Raton
D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz said the company selected Florida because of its rapidly growing technology ecosystem, strong educational ties and an expanding pool of skilled workers. He described Florida as “one of the fastest growing technology ecosystems in the United States,” citing the state’s scientific and educational environment as a key factor. (Source: D-Wave press release)
The BRiC campus and local improvements
BRiC, a 1.7-million-square-foot former IBM campus, has been repurposed as a technology hub. Property owner CP Group completed roughly $100 million in capital improvements, adding amenities such as a wellness center, new dining, event space and a 1,100-space parking garage to attract major tech employers. (Sources: Investing.com; The Quantum Insider)
Strategic facilities and redundancy
D-Wave plans to use BRiC as its global headquarters and a key U.S. R&D hub focused on annealing systems. The company highlighted the operational benefits of a bicoastal presence — improved business continuity and system redundancy that can protect operations and give customers more reliable access to systems. (Source: D-Wave press release)
D-Wave’s broader footprint
D-Wave’s North American network already includes a gate-model-focused R&D center in New Haven, Connecticut; a Quantum Engineering Center of Excellence in Burnaby, British Columbia; and systems in Marina Del Rey, California and Huntsville, Alabama. The Boca Raton site adds another domestic hub to that network. (Source: D-Wave press release)
Partnership with Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
As part of the announcement, D-Wave committed to place an Advantage2 annealing quantum computer at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus under a $20 million agreement. The machine will be used for research and teaching, intended to accelerate local workforce development and strengthen university-industry ties. (Sources: BCtechnology; Investing.com)
Market performance and technology growth
Investors have rewarded D-Wave’s growth: the company’s stock rose more than 330% over the past year and traded around $25.11 with a market cap near $9.3 billion at the time of reporting. D-Wave reported major usage increases — Advantage2 usage grew ~314% year-over-year and use of its Stride hybrid solver rose ~114% in the last six months — and accelerated plans for gate-model systems with an initial system aimed for 2026. (Source: Investing.com)
Economic development and local response
State and local officials celebrated the relocation as a significant win. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the move strengthens Florida’s leadership in quantum computing and will help create high-demand jobs. The Palm Beach County Business Development Board called the selection a milestone for South Florida’s emergence as a tech hub. Local teams worked with the company under a confidential effort called Project Vernon prior to the public announcement. (Sources: D-Wave press release; CBS12)
Investigative notes on the selection process
Public records and local reporting indicate the move followed months of confidential discussions with city and county economic development teams under the code name Project Vernon. The use of a confidentiality name is common in site searches to protect negotiation leverage and limit public attention during negotiations. (Source: CBS12)
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: The relocation will add hundreds of high-paying tech and R&D jobs to South Florida payrolls and may attract suppliers, startups and vendors to the BRiC campus.
Workforce and education: The FAU Advantage2 installation and $20 million commitment will give students and researchers hands-on access to quantum systems, supporting local talent pipelines.
Competition among states: The move illustrates state-level competition for tech employers and may be used by officials to advocate business-friendly policies and investments.
National technology capacity: Expanding D-Wave’s U.S. presence strengthens domestic quantum computing capacity and customer access while reducing regional operational risks through a multi-site footprint. (Source: D-Wave press release)
What to watch next
- Detailed job rollouts and local hiring timelines from D-Wave.
- FAU installation specifics, including access plans for students, faculty and industry partners.
- Any public disclosures about state or local incentives tied to the relocation (Project Vernon paperwork).
- New companies or startups that choose to cluster at BRiC or within Palm Beach County after D-Wave’s arrival.
Notable quote
“Florida represents one of the fastest growing technology ecosystems in the United States, and as such it was the ideal choice for our new corporate headquarters and U.S. R&D facility,” — Dr. Alan Baratz, D-Wave CEO. (Source: D-Wave press release)
Reporting and sources
Reporting for this article used company and local reporting sources including the D-Wave press release, Investing.com, BCtechnology, The Quantum Insider, and CBS12.
