GlobalFoundries is launching Quantum Technology Solutions with a $375 million letter of intent from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand domestic quantum manufacturing capabilities, reflecting the national-security importance of this emerging technology. Unlike companies focused solely on quantum processors, GlobalFoundries intends to manufacture the complete quantum hardware solution, from quantum processor units (QPUs) to the cryogenic read-out and control ICs that operate them, and the advanced packaging and superconducting interconnects that bind them into systems. This push builds on more than a decade of sustained investment in cryogenic CMOS, advanced packaging, and materials science, establishing a foundation beyond initial research. “With CHIPS Research and Development investments in quantum computing,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, as the company aims to transition quantum hardware-scale experimentation to industrial production.
GlobalFoundries Launches Quantum Technology Solutions
GlobalFoundries has initiated a substantial push into quantum hardware manufacturing, reflecting the national-security importance of a domestic quantum manufacturing base. This comprehensive approach distinguishes GlobalFoundries from competitors focusing solely on processor fabrication, aiming to manufacture the complete quantum hardware solution from quantum processor units (QPUs) to the cryogenic read-out and control ICs that operate them and the advanced packaging and superconducting interconnects that bind them into systems for quantum computing developers. A letter of intent from the U.S. Department of Commerce to award $375 million anchors this expansion, accelerating the build-out of these quantum manufacturing capabilities. This isn’t a sudden pivot for GlobalFoundries; the company has been quietly building foundational expertise for over a decade. This transition is facilitated by GF’s FDX platform, which delivers the cryogenic CMOS essential for the sensing, control, and readout functions within quantum systems.
The company intends to manufacture QPUs across diverse qubit modalities, including superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, topological, and spin, demonstrating broad ambition to support the entire quantum landscape. The initiative has already garnered support from key players in the quantum ecosystem. Diraq’s Andrew Dzurak stated, “Diraq’s work with GlobalFoundries on FDX has been central to advancing our cryogenic CMOS and silicon spin qubit technologies on an established manufacturing node.” Equal1’s Jason Lynch highlighted how GF’s FDX technology enables the integration of quantum and classical functions on an industrial semiconductor platform, anticipating that a dedicated quantum foundry will accelerate their roadmap. Beyond these partnerships, the U.S. Department of Commerce will also make a strategic equity investment in GlobalFoundries, representing approximately one percent ownership, enabling the American public to share in GF’s growth.
$375M Investment & U.S. Department of Commerce Partnership
GlobalFoundries’ recent launch of Quantum Technology Solutions signifies a broadening of the semiconductor landscape, moving beyond traditional silicon fabrication toward specialized manufacturing for quantum computing hardware. The commitment extends beyond funding, with GF leveraging its existing U.S. manufacturing footprint to support the scaling of foundational quantum technologies. Jason Lynch of Equal1 believes, “A dedicated quantum foundry at GF will give us the manufacturing capabilities to advance our roadmap and bring our next wave of quantum systems closer to real-world deployment.” The initiative also has the backing of major tech companies like Google Quantum AI, Microsoft Quantum, NVIDIA, PsiQuantum, Quantinuum, and Quantum Motion, all of whom recognize the need for a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
Microsoft is pleased to see GlobalFoundries investing in the quantum infrastructure the industry needs to scale, and in particular its support for topological qubits.
Lauri Sainiemi, Corporate Vice President, Fabrication at Microsoft Quantum
FDX Platform Enables Cryogenic CMOS for Quantum Systems
GlobalFoundries’ ambitious push into quantum manufacturing rests heavily on its established FDX platform, a foundation built over more than a decade of focused investment in specialized semiconductor technologies. GF is not simply offering a manufacturing service; it is actively developing platforms to build QPUs across a diverse range of qubit modalities, including superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, topological, and spin-based approaches. This versatility, coupled with the development of a cryogenic and superconducting heterogeneous interconnect platform, aims to integrate these components into systems capable of achieving utility-scale quantum computing. “Quantum is at its inflection point,” explained Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer of GF.
The cryogenic CMOS, advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous interconnect needed for utility-scale quantum computing are exactly what we make every day.
Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer of GF
Manufacturing QPUs Across Multiple Qubit Modalities
The escalating race to build practical quantum computers is increasingly focused on manufacturing, with GlobalFoundries (GF) establishing Quantum Technology Solutions to address a critical bottleneck: scalable production of quantum hardware. The U.S. Department of Commerce explicitly recognizes the national-security implications of a robust domestic quantum manufacturing base. The company’s FDX platform, delivering cryogenic CMOS, is central to this strategy, providing the sensing, control, and readout functions essential for quantum operations. “Quantum is at its inflection point.” Building on that base, GF is developing the manufacturing platforms to build QPUs across multiple qubit modalities, including superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, topological and spin, along with the cryogenic and superconducting heterogeneous interconnect platform that integrates these components into utility-scale quantum systems.
Equal1’s partnership with GlobalFoundries, and in particular our use of its FDX technology for cryogenic CMOS and spin qubit architectures, demonstrates how quantum and classical functions can be engineered together on an industrial semiconductor platform.
Jason Lynch, CEO, Equal1
Industry Partnerships Accelerate Quantum Hardware Scaling
While much discussion around quantum computing centers on algorithmic breakthroughs and qubit stability, a critical, often overlooked aspect is manufacturing scale-up. GlobalFoundries (GF) is directly addressing this challenge with the launch of Quantum Technology Solutions, a dedicated business unit focused on producing not just quantum processor units (QPUs), but the entire hardware stack required for functional quantum systems. This move signifies a shift from prototypes to industrial-level production, a transition demanding substantial investment and specialized expertise. This comprehensive approach distinguishes GF from competitors concentrating on narrower segments of the quantum hardware supply chain. This manufacturing-led approach leverages GF’s existing U.S. capabilities. “The hardware is moving from lab-scale to industrial scale, and that transition can only happen inside an advanced semiconductor manufacturing environment.” The initiative is already gaining traction with key industry players. Google Quantum AI’s Charina Chou affirmed that a strong U.S. manufacturing base is vital for quantum progress, and PsiQuantum’s Victor Peng emphasized the importance of a U.S. semiconductor partner for delivering utility-scale quantum computing.
Diraq’s work with GlobalFoundries on FDX has been central to advancing our cryogenic CMOS and silicon spin qubit technologies on an established manufacturing node.
Andrew Dzurak, Founder and CEO at Diraq
