D‑Wave and BASF announced a proof‑of‑concept that used a hybrid‑quantum application to optimize scheduling in a BASF liquid‑filling facility. The hybrid‑quantum solution cut production scheduling time from 10 hours with a leading industrial‑grade classical solver to just five seconds, a reduction of 99.95%. The same system lowered lateness by 14%, setup times by 9%, and tank unloading durations by up to 18%, translating into measurable cost savings and productivity gains.
The classical baseline was a top‑tier industrial solver commonly used in manufacturing optimization. By leveraging D‑Wave’s quantum annealing hardware in tandem with a classical pre‑ and post‑processing engine, the hybrid approach solved the complex scheduling problem in seconds, a speed that would have taken the classical solver days. The five‑second solution enabled real‑time decision making, allowing operators to adjust schedules on the fly and reduce idle time across the production line.
BASF, a global chemical leader with 112,000 employees and €65.3 billion in 2024 sales, has been exploring quantum computing as part of its broader digital transformation. The liquid‑filling facility, one of several high‑volume sites, was chosen for its complex mix of product variants and tight throughput requirements. The project demonstrates how quantum‑enhanced optimization can be integrated into existing production systems without disrupting current workflows.
For D‑Wave, the milestone reinforces its position as the first commercial supplier of quantum computers and validates the commercial viability of its hybrid‑quantum platform in the manufacturing and supply‑chain sectors. The company reported Q2 2025 revenue of $3.1 million, a 42% year‑over‑year increase, but a net loss of $167.3 million largely driven by warrant revaluation charges. D‑Wave is preparing to report Q3 2025 earnings on November 6, and the company is exploring licensing agreements and scaling plans that could generate new revenue streams from industrial clients.
Dr. Alan Baratz, D‑Wave’s CEO, said the project “showcases how hybrid‑quantum computing can help address manufacturing and supply‑chain operational bottlenecks and begin delivering measurable value where classical‑only solutions fall short.” Ionel Rusu, BASF’s head of digitalization, added that the proof‑of‑concept “demonstrated that quantum technology can deliver faster decisions and better outcomes than classical‑only solutions.” The collaboration signals a growing adoption of quantum solutions in real‑world manufacturing settings and positions D‑Wave to capture a share of the emerging industrial quantum market.
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