D-Wave to Showcase Real-World Quantum Computing Applications at Qubits Asia 2026 in Seoul
D-Wave Quantum, a quantum computing company offering both annealing and gate-model technologies, has announced plans to host Qubits Asia 2026: Quantum Realized, a full-day quantum computing user conference on October 28, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea.
The event will bring together quantum computing researchers, technology leaders, customers and industry experts from across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The conference will focus on practical quantum computing applications, emerging research and developments in D-Wave’s quantum computing technologies.
Qubits Asia 2026 is expected to highlight how quantum computing is being explored and deployed to address complex challenges across industries. Topics will include commercial applications, scientific research, artificial intelligence, network optimization, semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, drug discovery and port operations.
The event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to learn from organizations that are applying quantum computing to real-world problems, while exploring developments in both quantum annealing and gate-model systems.
Quantum Computing Momentum Across APAC
The Asia-Pacific region has become an increasingly active market for quantum computing research and development, with governments, universities, technology companies and enterprises investing in quantum technologies.
D-Wave says countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan are advancing quantum computing initiatives, creating opportunities for the technology to move from research environments toward commercial and industrial applications.
“Countries including Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are moving decisively to establish global leadership in quantum computing, and D-Wave is helping turn that ambition into measurable results today,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “Qubits Asia will demonstrate what leadership looks like in practice by bringing together customers, researchers and industry leaders to accelerate commercial adoption, advance scientific discovery and expand the impact of quantum computing across the region.”
Against this backdrop, Qubits Asia 2026 will focus on practical examples of quantum computing and the experiences of organizations working with the technology.
According to D-Wave, its APAC activities include customer adoption, strategic collaborations and research initiatives addressing problems in areas such as network optimization, artificial intelligence and machine learning, drug discovery, materials science, semiconductor manufacturing and port operations.
Updates on D-Wave’s Quantum Platforms
A key part of the conference program will be presentations from D-Wave executives covering developments in the company’s quantum computing technologies.
D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz and Chief Development Officer Dr. Trevor Lanting will provide updates on the company’s quantum annealing and gate-model technologies. Their presentations will also cover commercial applications and developments related to quantum artificial intelligence.
D-Wave is notable for offering both quantum annealing and gate-model computing technologies. Quantum annealing is designed for optimization and related computational problems, while gate-model systems represent another approach to quantum computation that can support a broader range of algorithms.
The conference will therefore provide attendees with an overview of developments across both technology platforms and their potential applications.
Real-World Quantum Applications
Several customer and research presentations will highlight practical applications of D-Wave technology.
Shuichi Fukuda, a researcher at NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s largest mobile operator, will discuss the company’s use of D-Wave-powered quantum computing applications in production. The presentation will focus on two applications and the improvements they have delivered in areas related to network efficiency and performance.
The NTT DOCOMO example illustrates the potential role of quantum computing in telecommunications, where network operators must continuously manage complex systems and optimize resources.
Another presentation will come from Wanki Cho, a consulting manager at LG CNS. Cho will discuss how D-Wave technology is being used to support 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging for manufacturing inspections.
Industrial inspection can involve processing complex data and identifying potential defects or abnormalities. The presentation will explore how quantum computing can be applied to this type of manufacturing challenge.
Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence
The intersection between quantum computing and artificial intelligence will also be featured at the event.
Professor Daniel Park of Yonsei University will examine how quantum annealing could potentially enhance generative AI workflows. As AI systems become more sophisticated, researchers are investigating whether quantum computing can contribute to optimization and other computational tasks associated with AI development.
The discussion will form part of a broader exploration of quantum AI and the potential relationship between quantum computing technologies and rapidly developing artificial intelligence applications.
Semiconductor Manufacturing and Optimization
Semiconductor manufacturing will be another major application area represented at Qubits Asia 2026.
Po-Hsun Fang of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University will present research involving a quantum annealing framework for reticle optimization in semiconductor manufacturing.
Reticles are important components in semiconductor fabrication processes, and optimization challenges can become increasingly complex as chip designs and manufacturing requirements evolve. The research presented at the conference will demonstrate how quantum annealing can be explored as a tool for addressing optimization problems within semiconductor production.
Optimizing Operations at Busan Port
The conference will also feature research involving logistics and maritime operations.
Assistant Professor Seon-Geun Jeong of Gyeongsang National University will present research using D-Wave technology to optimize berth and quay-crane allocation at Busan Port.
The research reportedly used real operational data and successfully scheduled more than 50 vessels and 15 quay cranes. The example demonstrates how quantum optimization technologies can be applied to complex logistics environments involving multiple resources and scheduling constraints.
For ports and other large logistics operations, improving the allocation of infrastructure and equipment can be important for managing throughput and operational efficiency.
Connecting Research With Commercial Adoption
Qubits Asia 2026 is designed to bring together different parts of the quantum computing ecosystem, including enterprise customers, researchers, technology developers and industry leaders.
By showcasing applications in telecommunications, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and logistics, the event will highlight the range of problems being explored with quantum computing.
The conference will also provide an opportunity for attendees to exchange experiences, discuss implementation challenges and explore potential opportunities for broader adoption of quantum technologies across APAC.
The event is scheduled for October 28, 2026, in Seoul, and registration is available through D-Wave’s Qubits Asia event website.
About D-Wave Quantum
D-Wave Quantum Inc. develops and provides quantum computing systems, software and services. The company offers both quantum annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies.
D-Wave provides enterprise-focused quantum computing systems that can be accessed through on-premises deployments and its Leap™ quantum cloud service. The company says more than 100 organizations across commercial, government and research sectors use its quantum computing technologies to explore complex computational challenges.
Through its hardware, software and cloud services, D-Wave focuses on helping organizations evaluate and apply quantum computing to optimization and other computational problems.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement includes forward-looking statements regarding D-Wave’s technology development, commercial applications, market opportunities and future activities. Actual results may differ materially from these statements because of various risks and uncertainties.
Factors that may affect future results include technological development, market adoption, competition, business conditions and other risks described in D-Wave’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investors should review the company’s most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q filings and other SEC disclosures for additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties. D-Wave states that forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time of the announcement and should not be relied upon as guarantees of future results.
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