The US government has announced a $2 billion investment to advance quantum computing technologies. As part of this funding, $100 million is earmarked for several startups in exchange for equity. The largest portion of the funding will be directed to Anderon, a company co-founded by IBM and the government. This facility will be the first quantum foundry to produce quantum processors for IBM and other companies. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports.
However, questions have arisen in the US Congress regarding the legality of this agreement. Zoe Lofgren, a member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, noted that the funds were allocated for semiconductor research under the CHIPS and Science Act and were not intended for quantum technologies. She also pointed to a potential conflict of interest: the bulk of the funding is going to a project involving IBM, while a former top manager of the company participated in the negotiations.
Despite the controversy, the Anderon project is expected to accelerate the industry. The company will produce quantum chips for external customers, allowing startups to test new architectures faster and reduce reliance on academic laboratories. IBM plans to maintain its leadership in quantum computing by shifting part of its production to the new entity.
The new foundry will specialize in producing chips for transmon-type qubits that operate at ultra-low temperatures. Experts note that while the quantum chip market is currently limited, government support could play a decisive role in ensuring US technological independence and industry growth.
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