The sprawling halls of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas typically showcase the next revolutionary smartphone or smart home device, not a technology born from the esoteric principles of quantum mechanics. Yet, this year, D-Wave Quantum Inc. has firmly planted the quantum flag at this influential technology showcase, arguing that the future of computing is not a distant promise but a present-day reality. Sponsoring the exclusive CES Foundry event, the company is demonstrating that quantum solutions are already accessible and delivering tangible value to businesses, moving the conversation from theoretical physics to practical commercial application.
Is Quantum Computing’s Future Already Here
For many, quantum computing remains a concept relegated to research labs and academic papers, a powerful but futuristic tool years away from practical use. The prevailing narrative often focuses on the immense technical challenges of building stable, large-scale quantum processors, creating the impression that its commercial impact is still on the horizon. This perception, however, is being directly challenged by a growing body of evidence.
D-Wave contends that the commercial quantum era has already begun. As the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, the company has provided access to its systems for years, with its platforms being actively used to address complex challenges. More than 100 organizations have already leveraged its technology, submitting over 200 million problems to its quantum systems. This level of engagement indicates a clear shift from exploration to application, where quantum is a tool for solving real-world business problems today.
Beyond the Hype The Significance of Quantum at a Consumer Tech Show
The presence of a quantum computing firm at an event like CES is a significant indicator of the technology’s maturation. While not a consumer product in the traditional sense, its inclusion signals a strategic move to demystify quantum computing and present it to a wider audience of technology leaders, developers, and innovators. By stepping onto this global stage, D-Wave is making a statement that quantum is ready to be integrated into the mainstream enterprise technology stack.
This moment is less about hype and more about education and accessibility. The goal is to show business leaders how quantum-hybrid approaches can solve complex optimization problems that are beyond the scope of classical computers alone. Sponsoring the CES Foundry, an invite-only event for top executives, positions quantum technology not as a science project but as a strategic business advantage available for deployment.
Inside D-Waves CES Foundry Showcase
At the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, D-Wave’s showcase focuses squarely on practical, real-world applications. The company is presenting its advanced annealing quantum computing technology and hybrid quantum-classical solvers, which are designed to tackle complex optimization challenges. Instead of theoretical demonstrations, the emphasis is on customer use cases that show measurable performance benefits, providing concrete proof of quantum’s current capabilities.
A centerpiece of D-Wave’s participation is a masterclass led by Murray Thom, the company’s vice president of quantum technology evangelism. The session, held on January 7, is designed to provide attendees with a clear roadmap for realizing value from quantum technology now. This hands-on approach aims to bridge the knowledge gap, transforming quantum from an abstract concept into an actionable tool for business innovation.
A View from the Inside The Expert Take on Quantums Mainstream Moment
According to industry insiders, showcasing quantum technology alongside the latest consumer and enterprise innovations at CES marks a definitive entry into the mainstream. Murray Thom articulated this consensus viewpoint, suggesting that the industry is moving past the question of “if” quantum will be useful and into the phase of “how” it can be leveraged for immediate impact.
D-Wave’s unique position as the only company building both annealing and gate-model quantum systems further reinforces its leadership in this technological shift. The company’s mission is centered on helping customers achieve quantum value quickly, supported by a robust quantum cloud service that boasts 99.9% uptime. This focus on reliability and commercial readiness is crucial for building confidence among businesses looking to invest in quantum solutions.
From Theory to Application How Businesses Can Leverage Quantum Today
The transition from academic theory to business application is evident in the types of problems being solved by D-Wave’s systems. Organizations are using its platforms to address critical challenges in areas like logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and scientific research. These applications are not merely experimental; they are designed to optimize operations, reduce costs, and accelerate discovery in ways that exceed the capabilities of classical computing.
For businesses looking to explore this new frontier, the path to entry is more accessible than ever. Through D-Wave’s quantum cloud service, organizations can access powerful quantum resources without the need for massive upfront investment in hardware or specialized infrastructure. This model lowers the barrier to entry, enabling a broader range of companies to begin building quantum-hybrid applications and gaining a competitive edge.
D-Wave’s prominent role at CES 2026 successfully reframed the narrative around quantum computing. The event demonstrated that this transformative technology was no longer confined to the realm of future possibility but had become a practical, accessible tool for solving today’s most complex business problems. The focus on real-world use cases and tangible value marked a pivotal moment, shifting the industry-wide conversation from long-term research toward immediate commercial application and integration.
