D-Wave Quantum study highlights the potential for quantum optimization to create value across industries. According to the study, 46% of surveyed business leaders whose company has implemented quantum optimization or plans to do so within the next two years expect a return on investment of between $1 and $5 million, while 27% predict a return of more than $5 million in the first 12 months. A majority of the business leaders surveyed (81%) believe that they have reached the limit of the benefits they can achieve through optimization solutions running on classical computers. Against that backdrop, many are starting to explore whether quantum technologies can help. 53% are planning to build quantum computing into their workflows and 27% are considering doing so, indicating a growing recognition of quantum computing’s real-world business value. 22% are seeing quantum make a significant impact for those who have adopted it, while another 50% anticipate it will be disruptive for their industry. The results of the study show that quantum computing is gaining recognition among business leaders for its ability to potentially deliver major efficiencies in addressing complex optimization problems and operational improvements. 60% respondents expect quantum computing-based optimization to be very or extremely helpful in solving the specific operational challenges that their companies face. In fact, among those respondents most familiar with quantum, this figure rises to 73%, including nearly a quarter who describe it as “a game changer.” The areas in which business leaders expect to benefit from an investment in quantum optimization include: supply chain and logistics (50%), manufacturing (38%), planning and inventory (36%), and research and development (36%). Most respondents (88%), especially those in the manufacturing industry, believe that their company would go “above and beyond” for even a 5% improvement in optimization.