Quantum annealing
A specialized machine for optimization — the longest commercial track record.
Quantum annealing is not a universal quantum computer — it is a specialized device that finds low-energy solutions to optimization problems. By encoding a problem so its best answer is the lowest-energy state, then slowly 'cooling' the quantum system, the machine settles toward good solutions.
In plain terms
Imagine a landscape of hills and valleys and you want the deepest valley. Classical search walks around and can get stuck. Annealing lets the system quantum-mechanically tunnel through hills to find deeper valleys.
How it works
The problem is mapped onto a network of coupled qubits so that the optimal solution corresponds to the system's minimum energy.
The machine starts in an easy quantum state and gradually turns on the problem, ideally staying near the lowest energy the whole way and ending on the answer.
It is purpose-built for optimization and sampling — not for running arbitrary quantum algorithms like a gate-based machine.
The problem it solves
Scheduling, logistics, routing and other optimization problems with vast combinations — where annealing hardware already scales to thousands of qubits and runs in production.
- +Thousands of qubits already, focused on real optimization.
- +Longest commercial track record; production customers.
- –Not universal — limited to optimization/sampling.
- –Debate over quantum advantage vs. classical solvers on practical tasks.
Companies building this
Pioneered commercial annealing; delivers optimization via the Leap cloud and is adding gate-model systems.