Quantum Stocks Surge on Reports of $2 Billion U.S. Government Award

CNBC reported Thursday that quantum stocks surged in premarket trading after the U.S. government unveiled plans to distribute $2 Billion in awards across nine quantum computing companies. The package also involves the government taking equity stakes in each recipient firm.

IBM Lands the Largest Single Award

International Business Machines is set to receive the biggest slice of funding, reportedly valued at $1 Billion from the U.S. Commerce Department. IBM shares climbed nearly 8% in early premarket activity before settling around 6% higher by mid-morning. The company confirmed it will partner with Washington to establish America’s first purpose-built quantum foundry. IBM said the government award will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a separate $1 Billion company contribution. The initiative will operate through a newly formed IBM subsidiary called Anderon, headquartered in Albany, New York. Anderon will function as a standalone 300-millimeter quantum wafer foundry. IBM described the potential economic impact of the broader quantum sector as reaching up to $850 Billion in generated value by 2040.

Smaller Firms See Outsized Stock Gains

Chipmaker GlobalFoundries is in line for $375 Million under the proposed deal. Quantum hardware companies D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and Infleqtion are each reportedly set to receive $100 Million. Startup Diraq is expected to land a smaller $38 Million grant. Market reaction among the smaller names was sharp. D-Wave shares jumped roughly 16% ahead of the opening bell. Rigetti advanced nearly 14%, while Infleqtion posted gains exceeding 23% in premarket hours.

Chips Act Funding Underpins the Deals

The proposed grants draw on funding authorized by the 2022 Chips and Science Act, legislation designed to rebuild domestic semiconductor and advanced technology manufacturing. The awards are not yet formally finalized. CNBC noted it had contacted the Commerce Department for an official response. The Chips Act has previously been used to direct billions toward semiconductor fabrication plants from companies including Intel and TSMC, making quantum computing its latest strategic beneficiary.

What the Push Signals for U.S. Tech Policy

Washington’s decision to take equity positions alongside cash grants marks a notable shift in how the government structures industrial support. Rather than pure subsidy, the approach mirrors a co-investment model. IBM framed the Anderon foundry as a tool to “solidify” U.S. leadership in quantum, while also supporting national security priorities. Quantum computers are designed to tackle optimization and simulation problems far beyond the reach of conventional machines. The sector has drawn growing attention from defense agencies and financial institutions alike.

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