$2 Billion to Fund 9 Companies, Boost U.S. Quantum Computing

A 2 billion investment, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, will bolster nine U.S. companies working to advance quantum computing technologies, with a particular emphasis on domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Department of Commerce announced letters of intent detailing the funds, which will be distributed to seven quantum computing companies and two domestic quantum foundries, GlobalFoundries and IBM, to establish a secure, U.S.-based supply chain for quantum hardware. IBM is slated to receive 1 billion to establish a new subsidiary focused on quantum-grade superconducting wafers, while GlobalFoundries will receive 375 million to build a foundry supporting multiple quantum architectures. “With these CHIPS Research and Development investments in quantum computing,” Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said, “These strategic quantum technology investments will build on our domestic industry, creating thousands of high-paying American jobs while advancing American quantum capabilities.” The Department will solicit proposals through grants.gov, announcement number -NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01.

2 Billion CHIPS Act Incentives for Quantum Computing Leadership

This substantial investment will be distributed among nine companies, focusing on establishing a robust, U.S.-based supply chain for quantum hardware instead of solely concentrating on software development. Two of these companies, GlobalFoundries and IBM, are designated as domestic quantum foundries and will receive significant funding, 375 million and 1 billion, respectively, to build foundational manufacturing capacity for diverse quantum architectures. Beyond manufacturing, the incentives are structured as a portfolio approach, targeting critical engineering challenges across multiple quantum modalities, including neutral atom, silicon-spin, and photonic systems.

Bill Frauenhofer, Executive Director of Semiconductor Investment and Innovation, explained that the CHIPS R&D Office is taking a portfolio approach to strengthen and accelerate U.S. leadership across multiple quantum modalities while focusing each award on discrete technological problems of genuine consequence. Companies like Atom Computing and Diraq will receive funding to address specific hurdles in neutral-atom and silicon-spin technologies, respectively, while others will tackle issues like error rates and cryogenic system integration. The Department of Commerce will solicit proposals for further advancements in microelectronics technology through grants.gov, announcement number -NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01.

GlobalFoundries & IBM Secure Funding for Domestic Quantum Foundries

The pursuit of scalable quantum computing is rapidly shifting from theoretical research toward tangible hardware production, a transition hampered by limited domestic manufacturing capacity. While progress has been made in qubit design and control, reliably fabricating quantum processors remains a critical bottleneck; currently, much of the specialized manufacturing relies on overseas facilities. This investment supports the growth of a U.S. quantum ecosystem. GlobalFoundries and IBM, as dedicated quantum foundries, signal a deliberate strategy to build a self-sufficient supply chain for quantum hardware. This investment isn’t simply about increasing production volume; it’s about diversifying manufacturing capabilities across different qubit modalities, acknowledging that the ultimate architecture for fault-tolerant quantum computation remains uncertain. The incentives focus on solving discrete technological problems across multiple quantum modalities and accelerating technology roadmaps to support U.S. leadership. The Department will solicit proposals through grants.gov, announcement number -NIST-CHIPS-CRDO-01, and also receive a minority equity stake in each company as a condition of funding, aiming to enhance returns for taxpayers.

Quantum Portfolio Targets Key Modalities & Engineering Challenges

Atom Computing is poised to receive $100 million to tackle fundamental hurdles in neutral-atom quantum computing, specifically focusing on the complex task of manipulating and validating the performance of tens of thousands of qubits. GlobalFoundries’ focus will be on creating a secure domestic facility capable of manufacturing components for diverse quantum architectures, including superconducting, trapped ion, and photonic systems. This investment supports U.S. expertise in this area. The dual investment in foundries underscores a commitment to building a complete, end-to-end quantum ecosystem within the United States. The portfolio also includes companies like Diraq, D-Wave, and PsiQuantum, each addressing specific engineering bottlenecks in silicon spin, annealing, and photonic quantum computing, respectively; these investments aim to improve device reproducibility, reduce error rates, and enhance system integration, ultimately accelerating the path toward fault-tolerant quantum computers. “We will be providing incentives to build domestic quantum capacity, solve the hardest engineering challenges, enable multi-year acceleration of technology roadmaps, and drive continued U.S. quantum leadership,” he stated.