D-Wave has released a new research paper titled "Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work, " which introduces an innovative blockchain architecture built on the advancements achieved through the company's quantum supremacy demonstration. The research indicates that D-Wave's quantum computers could drastically decrease the electricity required for blockchain operations. Additionally, the paper presents a new "Proof of Quantum" algorithm, which provides an extra layer of security. In a groundbreaking achievement, the company has successfully demonstrated distributed quantum computing for the first time by deploying blockchain technology across four cloud-based annealing quantum computers located in North America. PALO ALTO, Calif. , March 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) ("D-Wave" or the "Company"), a frontrunner in quantum computing systems, software, and services, has announced the publication of a research paper that introduces a pioneering blockchain architecture incorporating techniques from its quantum supremacy demonstration. By integrating quantum computing with traditional blockchain operations, this new architecture aims to enhance both the security and efficiency of blockchains. During this research, D-Wave scientists executed blockchain operations across a network of four cloud-based annealing quantum computers in Canada and the United States, marking the first instance of distributed quantum computing in action. The paper, "Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work, " elaborates on how D-Wave developed and tested a "proof of quantum" algorithm that utilizes quantum computation to create and validate blockchain hashes. Hashing is crucial for blockchains, functioning as a digital fingerprint through a mathematical function that encrypts transactions, with "proof of work" algorithms serving to validate them. Traditional computers employed for hashing and proof of work typically expend vast amounts of electricity.

For context, Bitcoin's power consumption alone—representing one application of blockchain—is estimated to parallel that of an entire country like Poland. D-Wave's findings suggest that employing quantum computation for hashing and proof of work could lead to a dramatic reduction in electricity usage, potentially cutting costs by as much as a factor of 1, 000 compared to conventional methods. "In a pioneering move, D-Wave is unveiling a remarkable new quantum blockchain architecture with expansive potential for business applications, " stated Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. "Following our recent demonstration of quantum supremacy, this highlights yet another way D-Wave is paving the path for customers to harness the advantages of quantum computing. We encourage the blockchain community to collaborate with us in exploring this thrilling new application of quantum technology. "