D-Wave Picks Boca Raton for New HQ, Betting on Florida Talent and Tax Climate as Quantum Jobs Head South
D-Wave Quantum Inc. will relocate its corporate headquarters and a major U.S. R&D facility from Palo Alto to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) in Boca Raton, Florida, by the end of 2026, creating hundreds of tech jobs.
- Relocation: D-Wave is moving HQ and key U.S. R&D to the BRiC campus in Boca Raton by end of 2026.
- Jobs: The move is expected to create hundreds of high-paying technology and R&D positions in South Florida.
- Partnerships: Florida Atlantic University committed $20 million to acquire a D‑Wave Advantage2 system to support research and training.
- Site & lease: D-Wave signed a lease with CP Group and DRA Advisors to occupy the renovated 1.7-million-square-foot BRiC former IBM site.
Relocation details
D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) announced its corporate headquarters and a major U.S. research-and-development facility will relocate from Palo Alto, California, to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) in Boca Raton, Florida, with a planned move completed by the end of 2026. The company described the shift as a strategic effort to expand its annealing-computer development, core R&D, testing and support functions at BRiC while maintaining gate-model R&D in New Haven, CT and engineering centers in Burnaby, BC; Marina Del Rey, CA; and Huntsville, AL for redundancy.
For the company announcement, see the D-Wave press release.
Why Boca Raton?
CEO Dr. Alan Baratz cited Florida’s fast-growing technology ecosystem, strong schools and research networks, and a growing pool of skilled tech workers as drivers of the decision, praising the state’s “vibrant spirit of innovation.”
The BRiC campus underwent a roughly $100 million renovation by CP Group and offers amenities aimed at large tech tenants, including a wellness center, dining areas and more than 1,100 parking spaces. BRiC is a 1.7‑million‑square‑foot campus that was repurposed from its historic role as an IBM site. Local reporting and leasing brokerage confirmed D-Wave signed a lease with CP Group and DRA Advisors, after operating under the confidential code name “Project Vernon.”
Economic and job impact
D-Wave said the relocation will create “hundreds” of high-paying technology and research-and-development positions in South Florida. The company will base annealing computer development, core R&D, testing and support at BRiC while maintaining other R&D and engineering centers across the U.S. and Canada to preserve bicoastal and international redundancy.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly called the announcement a boost for high-demand jobs and for Florida’s leadership in quantum technologies.
Analysts and state officials framed the move within a broader trend of tech firms departing higher-tax California for lower-tax states promoting growth. Florida’s pitch includes tax incentives, lower operating costs and active recruitment of tech companies. For analysis on state competition, see Fox Business coverage.
Facility, lease details and the BRiC pitch
The BRiC campus previously served as an IBM research site and has been repurposed and marketed to attract large tech tenants. Local outlets first covered D-Wave under the code name “Project Vernon.” Brokered by CP Group and DRA Advisors, the lease follows strong leasing demand at BRiC — which saw more than 300,000 square feet leased in late 2025 — signaling regional demand for tech space.
Local reporting on the confidential site selection and lease timeline is available from CBS12 and industry coverage from The Quantum Insider.
Academic tie and workforce development
Florida Atlantic University committed $20 million to acquire and install a D‑Wave Advantage2 annealing system for faculty research and student training, intending to build a local pipeline of quantum-trained talent and internships. The university purchase was announced alongside D-Wave’s relocation news and strengthens university-industry collaboration in South Florida.
D-Wave reported surging demand for its systems: Advantage2 usage grew 314% over the past year, and Stride hybrid solver usage rose 114% in the last six months — metrics the company cites to demonstrate commercial interest in quantum-assisted computing.
For details on the university system acquisition and SEC disclosures, see the SEC filing / StockTitan summary.
How D-Wave’s presence could reshape the region
Tying product development to BRiC and to academic partnerships can accelerate private‑sector adoption of quantum tools in logistics, finance, materials science and defense contracting. The FAU Advantage2 purchase signals a practical training path so students can move into the newly created quantum computing roles.
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Economic opportunity and workforce pipelines:
- Quantum computing jobs: The Boca Raton announcement increases national demand for quantum-trained talent; residents in Alamogordo with STEM backgrounds could compete for remote positions, internships, or relocated roles.
- Education and training: Local colleges and technical schools can prepare students with quantum-ready skills — coding, optics, cryogenics basics and applied mathematics — to be competitive for internships and entry roles; FAU’s machine purchase underscores universities’ roles in training.
Defense, manufacturing and regional strengths:
- Defense connections: Proximity to White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base may enable outreach for defense-focused quantum collaborations and subcontracting opportunities.
- Manufacturing and supply chains: As quantum hardware scales, suppliers in precision manufacturing or electronics can position to bid on components, testing and cooling technologies.
Policy lessons: State competition for tech firms, via tax and incentive strategies, is reinforced by D-Wave’s move; New Mexico policymakers may study Florida’s mix of incentives and university partnerships.
Practical steps for local leaders and students
- Workforce development: Add quantum-ready coursework and outreach at community colleges and K‑12 programs; emphasize coding, applied math and engineering fundamentals.
- Outreach and partnerships: Economic development offices and chambers should contact D‑Wave, FAU and Florida economic groups to explore internships, supplier opportunities and research collaboration.
