tech
US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal
Deal also launched the first quantum foundry company, but is there a need for it?
TL;DR
- The US government invested $2 billion in quantum computing firms for equity, which Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren deems illegal.
- Lofgren states the funds were earmarked for semiconductor R&D under the CHIPS and Science Act, not for equity investments.
- A significant portion of the investment will go to Anderon, a new company formed by IBM to fabricate quantum processing units.
- Concerns exist about the legality of the deal, potential conflicts of interest, and whether the CHIPS Act funds were used appropriately.
- The establishment of Anderon could benefit other quantum computing companies by providing access to advanced fabrication, but the long-term market need for its services is uncertain.