Narayan AmmachchiGlobal computing giant IBM has secured a major U.S. government contract to manufacture quantum chips as part of Washington’s push to produce a domestic supply chain for next-generation quantum technologies.
Under the agreement, the U.S. government will invest $1 billion in a quantum foundry, with IBM committing a matching amount. The initiative aims to strengthen the United States’ quantum manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
The facility will initially focus on producing 300 mm wafers before expanding into other products. In addition to manufacturing chips, IBM will provide fabrication services to U.S.-based hardware developers.
The foundry will be built and operated by Anderon, a newly established IBM subsidiary headquartered in Albany, New York.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is also investing in other technology companies. GlobalFoundries will receive $375 million to build a domestic facility capable of producing components used in multiple types of quantum computing systems. D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing and Infleqtion will each receive around $100 million from the initiative.
The announcement marks the latest example of federal intervention to support strategic technology sectors. Last year, the U.S. government acquired a 10% stake in Intel, becoming the chipmaker’s largest shareholder. It also took a significant stake in MP Materials, a major U.S. rare-earth producer.
“These strategic quantum technology investments will build on our domestic industry, creating thousands of high-paying American jobs while advancing American quantum capabilities,” Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said in a statement.
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