D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) has just released the results of a new study that sheds light on the potential impact of quantum optimization on businesses. The study, conducted by Wakefield Research in May 2025, surveyed 400 business leaders from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, revealing some significant findings.
According to the study, more than one-quarter (27%) of surveyed business leaders expect a return on investment of over $5 million in the first 12 months after implementing quantum optimization. Additionally, 46% of the respondents anticipate a return on investment ranging between $1 and $5 million.
The study also highlighted a growing recognition of quantum computing's real-world business value, with 53% of surveyed business leaders planning to integrate quantum computing into their workflows, and 27% considering doing the same.
In terms of the perceived benefits of quantum optimization, the study revealed that 60% of respondents expect it to be very or extremely helpful in solving specific operational challenges that their companies face. Furthermore, 73% of those most familiar with quantum computing described it as a potential game changer.
The areas in which business leaders expect to benefit from an investment in quantum optimization include supply chain and logistics (50%), manufacturing (38%), planning and inventory (36%), and research and development (36%).
The study also highlighted the increasing need for new optimization technology, with 88% of respondents, especially those in the manufacturing industry, expressing that their companies would go "above and beyond" for even a 5% improvement in optimization. The key hurdles to improving optimization capabilities included leaning on outdated technology (39%), budgetary restrictions (38%), relying on classical optimization that runs on conventional computers (36%), and staffing bandwidth or lack of skills (35%).
Despite these perceived barriers, the study indicated a rising interest in quantum computing, with leaders citing the need for more innovative products and services, improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing revenue as the most likely drivers for investing in quantum optimization.
Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, emphasized the growing interest in applying quantum to complex optimization use cases, with business leaders recognizing the substantial potential ROI of doing so.
This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the increasing recognition of quantum optimization's potential value across various industries, shedding light on the shifting landscape of optimization technologies and the growing interest in quantum computing among business leaders. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares 1.96% to a price of $19.26. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
