US's big bet on quantum computing may not be legal
5 hours ago
- #Government Funding
- #Quantum Computing
- #Legal Controversy
- US government announced $2 billion investments in quantum computing startups, exchanging equity for funds.
- Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren claims the investments are illegal, as the money from the CHIPS and Science Act was intended for semiconductor research, not quantum computing.
- The largest investment, $1 billion to Anderon, is a joint venture with IBM, involving government backing and inheritance of IBM's personnel and IP.
- Lofgren argues the funds were meant for public/private partnerships, not direct equity deals, and questions involvement of a former IBM executive in negotiations.
- She emphasizes that supporting quantum technology requires separate congressional allocation, not repurposing existing semiconductor research funds.