IBM will invest US$10 billion in large-scale quantum computers

IBM declared this Thursday (28) that it plans to invest more than US$10 billion in quantum computing over five years, with the aim of building by 2029 the first large-scale quantum computer capable of performing complex calculations reliably and without errors.

The announcement follows the Trump administration's decision last week to commit $2 billion to equity stakes in nine quantum computing companies, with IBM expected to receive half of the funding for a new venture called Anderon, which would become the first factory dedicated to producing quantum chips in the United States.

The move, which is part of the administration's efforts to ensure U.S. leadership in emerging technologies and stand up to China, highlights the growing importance of quantum computing.

Recent advances in the sector have fueled investor interest in its potential to accelerate tasks ranging from drug discovery to financial modeling and cryptography.

But there remain major technical hurdles, including high error rates that limit practical use. Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said last year that "practically useful" quantum computers were five to ten years away.

IBM said the new investment would cover research and development, capital expenditures, ecosystem partnerships, manufacturing expansion, and mergers and acquisitions.

The company is making a $1 billion contribution to Anderon, which will offer chipmaking technology to external customers and was already in talks with potential customers.

The company has also committed to ceding intellectual property, assets and workforce to Anderon and bringing in additional investors as the new company grows.

IBM shared this Thursday (28) that it has deployed more than 90 quantum systems to date, more than all other industry players combined.

At around 4:30 pm, Brasília time, IBM shares rose more than 3.5%.

Source: CNN