Google has opted out of the US federal program supporting quantum technologies. The company stated that the funding conditions could slow down the path to creating a useful quantum computer, according to Semafor.
In May, the US Department of Commerce preliminarily agreed to allocate $2.013 billion to nine companies under the CHIPS and Science Act. The parties signed letters of intent and must finalize the funding terms. The list includes GlobalFoundries with planned funding of $375 million and IBM with $1 billion.
The other seven companies are set to receive:
- Atom Computing — $100 million;
- Diraq — up to $38 million;
- D-Wave — $100 million;
- Infleqtion — $100 million;
- PsiQuantum — $100 million;
- Quantinuum — $100 million;
- Rigetti — up to $100 million.
The US Department of Commerce stated that the program aims to accelerate research and production of technologies for the quantum ecosystem. Companies will work on various approaches to quantum computing, including neutral atoms, silicon spin qubits, superconducting systems, photonic technologies, and ion traps.
As a condition of funding, the department must receive a minority non-controlling stake in each recipient company. The specific requirements that were decisive for Google are unknown.
On June 10, Google Quantum AI COO Charina Chou noted at the Semafor Tech Summit in San Francisco that the corporation continues to work with the US government “in other ways.” She mentioned that the government could better support the quantum sector through funding fundamental research. Google collaborates with national labs and academic institutions, and such research underpins more advanced quantum developments, she added.
Chou also highlighted the challenging climate for attracting researchers from abroad. She emphasized that the US will need “the best talent from around the world” for breakthroughs in quantum technologies, while China remains “a serious competitor.”
PsiQuantum co-founder Pete Shadbolt supported government involvement in funding the industry. He stated that it is natural for US authorities to invest in quantum technologies due to their “profound geopolitical implications” and significance for national security.
PsiQuantum is among the companies that received a letter of intent for $100 million. The funds are intended to address technical challenges in photonic quantum computing, including materials, single-photon detectors, and photonic packaging.
In March 2025, China announced the creation of the superconducting quantum computer Zuchongzhi 3.0. The 105-qubit system is one example of the intensifying competition between the US and China in quantum computing.
