Quantum computing firm D-Wave moves HQ from Palo Alto to Boca Raton

The relocation is a major win for Florida's growing tech ecosystem and a blow to Silicon Valley.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:15pm

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D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leading quantum computing firm, has announced it is relocating its corporate headquarters and key R&D operations from Palo Alto, California to Boca Raton, Florida. The move is seen as a dramatic sign of the rising allure of low-tax, pro-business states, with D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz citing Florida's rapidly growing tech ecosystem, expanding talent pool, and supportive research environment as key factors behind the decision.

Why it matters

The relocation of D-Wave's headquarters is a significant loss for Silicon Valley and the state of California, which has been grappling with an exodus of tech companies in recent years. For Boca Raton and the state of Florida, it represents a major victory in their efforts to attract high-tech businesses and solidify the state's position as a leader in quantum computing.

The details

D-Wave will install its 'Advantage2' quantum computer at Florida Atlantic University's Boca Raton campus as part of a partnership to 'accelerate and solidify the state of Florida's position as a leader in quantum computing.' The new headquarters will be situated in the Boca Raton Innovation Center, with a 1.7-million-square-foot office space. The move is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

  • In January 2026, Boca Raton officials approved a resolution where D-Wave would get up to $500,000 to relocate there and create 100 new jobs with an average annual salary of at least $125,000.
  • The relocation is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

The players

D-Wave Quantum Inc.

A leading quantum computing firm that specializes in solving complex optimization problems using quantum annealing and gate-model technology.

Dr. Alan Baratz

The CEO of D-Wave Quantum Inc., who cited Florida's rapidly growing tech ecosystem, expanding talent pool, and supportive research environment as key factors behind the decision to relocate the company's headquarters.

J. Alex Kelly

The Florida Secretary of Commerce, who welcomed D-Wave's relocation and said it will help further establish the state as a center of high-demand job growth and business formation through innovation.

Scott Singer

The Mayor of Boca Raton, who said that welcoming D-Wave's flagship headquarters will strengthen the city's position as a destination for advanced innovation, attract top-tier technology talent, and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.

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What they’re saying

“With our new headquarters in Boca Raton, D-Wave will bring to South Florida incredible opportunities for advanced research, talent recruitment, and high-impact technology development that is shaping the future of computing.”

— Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO, D-Wave Quantum Inc. (D-Wave press release)

“We're excited to welcome D-Wave to Florida as it accelerates the development and delivery of its quantum computing technologies, which will help further establish the state as a center of high demand job growth and business formation through innovation.”

— J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce (D-Wave press release)

“By welcoming D-Wave's flagship headquarters, we are strengthening our position as a destination for advanced innovation, attracting top-tier technology talent, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.”

— Scott Singer, Mayor of Boca Raton (D-Wave press release)

What’s next

The relocation of D-Wave's headquarters to Boca Raton is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, with the company installing its 'Advantage2' quantum computer at Florida Atlantic University's Boca Raton campus as part of a partnership to accelerate the state's leadership in quantum computing.

The takeaway

The decision by D-Wave Quantum to move its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Boca Raton, Florida highlights the growing appeal of low-tax, pro-business states for tech companies seeking to capitalize on expanding talent pools, supportive research environments, and economic development incentives. This move represents a significant blow to California's tech dominance and a major win for Florida's efforts to establish itself as a hub for advanced technology and innovation.