By Troy Turner
HUNTSVILLE – Quantum computing, a technology combination capable of being superior to and advancing basic artificial intelligence applications, is coming to Alabama; and with it, opportunities to study and develop state-of-the-art computer abilities, including future classified support for the Department of Defense.
Exciting new opportunities also will exist for recruitment from Alabama’s universities and skilled technological workforce, officials said.
Huntsville-based Davidson Technologies Inc. made the announcement during the 2024 Space and Missile Defense Symposium, partnering with California-based D-Wave Quantum Inc.
The strategic significance of placing a D-Wave quantum computer at Davidson’s new global headquarters in Huntsville will mark a major milestone in the region’s quantum computing leadership, a variety of state, congressional and company officials said.
Why Huntsville?
“There are two types of quantum computing,” Davidson CEO and board chairman, Major General (Ret.) John Holly, explained in an interview with AlaDefense.com. “The type that we’re getting is focused on optimization. That fits in perfectly with the work that we do in the world of modeling and simulation, command and control.
Major General (Ret.) John Holly
“That’s why we entered into the agreement with D-Wave to bring it here,” Holly said. “Our goal is to have it here in Huntsville and build through the certification process to be able to turn it into a classified computing capability for the Department of Defense.”
Dale Moore, Davidson’s president, said the program will be a difference-maker in a variety of ways.
“We are hoping to take advantage of the quantum computing capability alongside our applications to really drive technology innovation within the Department of Defense,” he told AlaDefense.com. “From our perspective, in five years we would love to see real tactical applications of quantum computing technology and software applications, that are underpinned by artificial intelligence machine learning, actually making a difference in the warfighter.
Dale Moore
“We are a Huntsville company. We were born here and we’ve been headquartered here for 28 years,” Moore said. “Huntsville has been an innovative arm for the Department of Defense and space business, NASA, the Army, for a long time.”
Recruitment opportunities
Davidson will look to Alabama’s universities to help develop the workforce talent needed, Moore said, adding that Huntsville is well known for hosting such skillsets.
“There is a difference in the type of capability you need to execute a quantum technology experimentation, and a research and development program, but we are focused on partnering with all the local universities in the state,” Moore said. “So, the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Auburn University, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and even UT-Knoxville, who has a Department of Energy connection with Oak Ridge National Labs being right there with them, we want to partner with all of them to help facilitate the type of pipeline of people, capability and skill sets that are going to help move quantum to the future.
“And what we want to do is create a quantum center of excellence right here in Huntsville centered around Davidson Technologies and the D-Wave system quantum computer that we’re bringing in.”
All types of engineering, quantum chemistry, math, data scientists and other degree fields will be needed, he said, and the advantage for students working with Davidson will be “they get to touch some of the most innovative technology that exists today.”
The company will need “the full range of what you would expect typically that shows up in Huntsville to support this type of market,” Moore said.
A bevvy of support
D-Wave’s state-of-the-art Advantage quantum computing system, expected to be installed at Davidson’s headquarters in 2025, eventually will be housed in a secure facility designed to run sensitive applications.
Meanwhile, efforts surrounding use case identification, application development, and engagement with the local community already have commenced, officials said.
State and local officials quickly jumped on board to support Davidson’s and D-Wave’s announcement.
“Huntsville is in a great spot to lead the charge in new tech like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, thanks to our strong ties to government, defense and technology,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in a prepared statement. “By bringing the latest quantum computing system to our city, we’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the region.”
Congressman Dale Strong, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and represents the Huntsville-area district, said “advancements in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are critical to our national security industry and our service branches.
Congressman Dale Strong, right, with Davidson leaders.
“Through the Davidson and D-Wave partnership, we will be able to address the important needs of our military by using cutting-edge technology and applications that are developed in the U.S.,” he said. “Alabama stands ready with world class research universities to help build the quantum-ready workforce that is necessary for our military to address problems now and in the future.”
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, also praised the announcement.
“I am focused on ensuring our military has access to the technology required to help address our future national security needs,” Rogers said. “Quantum computing is one of those technologies, and I’m excited to have this expertise in Alabama through this Davidson and D-Wave partnership.
“At this symposium we are hearing about the critical needs of our military,” he said in reference to the Space and Missile Defense Symposium. “Through adopting emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence, we can properly position our military to ensure we are successful.”
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected].
Similar stories of interest:
