Welcome to Thursday’s update on quantum computing. As 2026 progresses, investor focus is shifting from lab results to deals, platforms, and early business use. This update covers D-Wave’s (QBTS) recent shifts, quantum integration in the New-York’s Stock Exchange, new IPO, and IonQ’s (IONQ) latest moves.
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Let’s begin.
1. D-Wave Shifts Toward Enterprise Scale
We begin with D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS), which outlined a broad push toward large-scale business use at its Qubits 2026 event. The company said it will move its main office and U.S. research hub from California to Florida by the end of 2026. The new base in Boca Raton will give D-Wave added system backup and closer ties to public research groups. At the same time, Florida Atlantic University agreed to purchase a $20 million Advantage2 system to support research and job training in logistics, finance, and materials.
In addition, D-Wave reported rising demand from both firms and defense groups. The company signed a $10 million two-year service deal with a Fortune 100 client to build live quantum tools. It also shared results from a missile test with Anduril and Davidson, where its hybrid solver cut solve time by ten times and improved defense results by up to 12%. Usage of the Advantage2 system rose 314% over the past year, which led D-Wave to add new hybrid tools and speed up plans for a gate model system in 2026 after its Quantum Circuits deal.
2. Quantum Enters Capital Markets Infrastructure
Meanwhile, Options Technology, a company that offers hybrid quantum infrastructure for capital markets, launched the first live quantum computing platform inside a New York City data center. The system runs at a Digital Realty site and links quantum hardware from Oxford Quantum Circuits with classic and GPU systems. Options said the goal is to help banks and funds handle heavy tasks like risk tests and portfolio balance inside secure rules-based setups.
Chief Executive Danny Moore said, “Quantum computing is no longer theoretical for capital markets; it’s becoming a practical tool for specific, high-value problems.” The firm added that its low-delay network across more than 70 data centers lets clients test quantum tools without changing live systems. As a result, quantum work in finance is shifting from trials toward early use.
3. Hardware and Software Ties Deepen in Europe
Next, C12 and Classiq announced a new integration between spin-qubit hardware and enterprise software. C12 builds processors based on carbon nanotubes, which aim to cut noise and boost scale. Classiq offers a high-level design tool that helps firms build circuits across many hardware types.
Through the deal, Classiq now supports C12’s Callisto digital twin, which lets teams test noise-aware models tied to future hardware. C12 Chief Executive Pierre Desjardins said the goal is to move quantum from theory to real work. Classiq Chief Executive Nir Minerbi added that wider hardware choice is key as the field grows.
4. Xanadu Moves Closer to Public Markets
At the same time, Xanadu Quantum Technologies and Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp. (CHAC) filed a public Form F 4 with the SEC for their planned $3.1 billion merger. The deal would list the combined firm on the Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker XNDU, if approved. Closing is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Xanadu focuses on photonic quantum systems that run at room temperature and avoid heavy cooling. Chief Executive Christian Weedbrook said the filing reflects progress in both hardware and software, including PennyLane.
5. IonQ Builds Out the Full Stack
Finally, IonQ Inc. (IONQ) continued to expand its software and network reach. The company agreed to buy Seed Innovations, a software firm that works with defense and cloud clients. Seed’s team will join IonQ’s platform group to help scale AI driven tools and manage large workloads. IonQ said the deal should close on January 30, 2026.
IonQ also completed its purchase of Skyloom Global, which adds secure optical links to its network plans. Chief Executive Niccolo de Masi said Skyloom strengthens IonQ’s path toward distributed quantum links and secure data flow. Together, the deals support IonQ’s aim to offer a full quantum stack for government and business users.
We used TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to line up all the stocks appearing in the piece alongside quantum computing stocks. It’s a quick way to see how they stack up and where the field could be heading.
