US launches $2B quantum tech push, takes stakes in IBM
6.6 Investments The US will invest $2B in nine quantum computing firms, taking equity stakes to accelerate industry growth. IBM, GlobalFoundries, and D-Wave Quantum are key beneficiaries.
The US government plans to invest $2 billion in nine leading quantum computing firms, including IBM, GlobalFoundries, D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and Infleqtion. Instead of traditional grants, the government will take minority equity stakes, marking a shift toward treating quantum technology as critical infrastructure. IBM is set to receive $1 billion, GlobalFoundries $375 million, and D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and Infleqtion $100 million each. This funding aims to accelerate the development of stable and scalable quantum computing systems, reinforce US competitiveness, and attract further private investment. Following the announcement, shares of quantum companies, especially QBTS and IBM, saw notable gains. However, risks remain that funding could be fragmented or delayed, and that grants may not lead to commercial orders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain a technological edge and foster public-private partnerships in advanced computing.
