D-Wave enhances Stride hybrid solver and launches optimization training

Solver update: D-Wave enhanced the core algorithm of its Stride hybrid solver, which combines quantum and classical computing resources and is available through the Leap quantum cloud service.

Headline benchmark: In key testing, the enhanced solver found better solutions in 15 seconds than the previous Stride version found in 120 seconds.

Traveling salesperson benchmark: For problems with up to 10,000 locations, solutions averaged within 0.02% of the best possible result in 15 seconds and were, on average, more than 200x closer to that result than the previous solver at the same runtime.

Larger traveling salesperson benchmark: For problems with more than 10,000 locations, solutions averaged within 3.8% of the best possible result in 120 seconds and were, on average, more than 500x closer to that result than the previous solver at the same runtime.

Developer training: D-Wave launched a three-course Applied Quantum Optimization learning path with hands-on instruction on identifying optimization use cases, formulating mathematical models, and building applications using Stride.

Benchmark scope: The stated improvement factors compare closeness to optimal results at the same runtime rather than relative processing speed.