U.S. Shifts Quantum Computing Funding Strategy from Grants to Equity Stakes
The TRUMP administration is pivoting from traditional grant funding to taking equity stakes in quantum computing firms, marking a significant policy shift. IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum are in active negotiations with the Commerce Department, while Quantum Computing Inc. and ATOM Computing evaluate similar terms. Minimum awards under discussion start at $10 million per company, with potential deal structures including warrants, IP licenses, or revenue-sharing agreements.
This MOVE mirrors recent high-profile interventions like the Intel deal, where $9 billion in grants converted to a 10% equity position. The administration argues taxpayers should share upside from government-funded technological breakthroughs. Market observers note the approach could reshape public-private partnerships in critical tech sectors.
