D-Wave Quantum publishes research paper or blockchain architecture

D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) announced that it has published a new research paper introducing a novel blockchain architecture that uses techniques from its quantum supremacy demonstration. By adding quantum to traditional blockchain computation, the new architecture could enhance blockchain security and efficiency. As part of this research, D-Wave scientists deployed the blockchain architecture across four of its cloud-based annealing quantum computers in Canada and the United States, performing distributed quantum computing for the first time. The new research paper, “Blockchain with Proof of Quantum Work,” highlights how D-Wave built and tested a “proof of quantum” algorithm that uses quantum computation to generate and validate blockchain hashes. D-Wave’s research indicates that using quantum computation for hashing and proof of work could require a fraction of the electricity used by classical resources alone and potentially reduce electricity costs by up to a factor of 1,000.