Researchers from the Flatiron Institute and Boston University, supported by the Simons Foundation, have raised doubts about D-Wave's claims of quantum supremacy.
On May 21, a paper published in Science asserted that some problems previously deemed unsolvable by classical computers can actually be addressed using traditional methods.
In a statement accompanying the research, the Simons Foundation noted that earlier claims of quantum supremacy are now "in question."
This refers to a D-Wave article published last year in the same journal, where the company claimed its system performed quantum dynamics simulations beyond the capabilities of classical algorithms. D-Wave estimated that the Frontier supercomputer would require nearly a million years of computation for the largest configurations.
This assertion is now being contested.
Core of the Dispute
The Flatiron team employed a combination of tensor networks and a modified probability propagation algorithm. The researchers stated they were able to replicate calculations for several lattices on standard equipment, with some experiments conducted on a laptop.
The conclusion: at least some tasks presented as demonstrations of quantum supremacy are not beyond the reach of classical computing.
D-Wave disagreed with this assessment. On May 26, the company acknowledged the progress of classical methods but argued that the researchers only tested limited modes and did not replicate the full set of tasks from the original paper. According to the company, the new article does not cover the entire range of geometries, system sizes, interaction parameters, and measurable quantities.
This dispute extends beyond academic debate. On June 1, D-Wave will hold an Investor Day at the NYSE, where it promises to present its strategy, roadmap, and commercial prospects. CEO Alan Baratz stated that the industry is entering a phase of validated results rather than mere promises.
Financial Impact
The financial outlook is mixed. In the first quarter of 2026, D-Wave reported record contracts totaling $33.4 million, compared to $1.6 million the previous year. This includes a $20 million sale of a system to Florida Atlantic University and a two-year agreement for quantum computing as a service with a Fortune 100 company worth $10 million.
However, quarterly revenue fell from $15 million to $2.9 million, as the previous year's figures included a significant one-time equipment sale.
Another potential driver is U.S. industrial policy. D-Wave plans to secure funding of up to $100 million under the CHIPS and Science Act to develop superconducting systems based on quantum annealing and gate architecture.
It’s worth noting that in May, the U.S. Department of Commerce allocated $2 billion to American companies involved in quantum computing.