Armonk-based IBM and the U.S. Department of Commerce have signed a Letter of Intent to build a $2 billion American quantum chip foundry through the new company Anderon that IBM founded in Albany. The government will provide IBM with $1 billion from the CHIPS incentive, established by the CHIPS and Science Act that was intended to stimulate computer chip manufacturing in the U.S. IBM will contribute the other $1 billion in cash to the effort along with intellectual property, other assets and personnel.
The initiative is described by IBM and the government as one of the most significant commitments by the U.S. government to date in quantum computing research and development with a goal of positioning the U.S. to manufacture most of the world’s quantum computing wafers.
The plan is for Anderon to build and operate a state-of-the-art 300-millimeter quantum wafer foundry. Anderon would offer the quantum wafers it produces to multiple quantum technology vendors across the world. It is expected that the foundry would be built at the NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said, “These strategic quantum technology investments will build on our domestic industry, creating thousands of high-paying American jobs while advancing American quantum capabilities.”
According to Arvind Krishna, chairman and CEO of IBM, “IBM has pioneered quantum computing for decades. Our work in silicon wafer fabrication has been a key to IBM’s success and will be critical to enable a broader quantum technology landscape that will reshape global innovation and economic competitiveness. With the support of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Anderon will be well-positioned to fuel America’s fast-growing quantum technology industry.”
Quantum computing already is being used to solve complex problems that are challenging for even today’s supercomputers. It is expected to enable breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, optimization, and cybersecurity, among other areas.
IBM has a Quantum Computer Center in Poughkeepsie that currently has more than 20 quantum systems in operation.
To date, IBM has deployed over 90 quantum systems, including more quantum computers than reported by all other industry players across the globe combined. More than 325 Fortune 500 companies, startups, universities, and government agencies already are using IBM’s quantum computers to tackle scientific challenges across chemistry, biology, materials science, and more. Many of them remotely access the IBM quantum computers in Poughkeepsie.
IBM and the Department of Commerce point out that the actual launch of Anderon is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documents by both parties in accordance with the letter of intent.
