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  • 🔵 The Quantum Insider Weekly | Quantum Rising in Japan, Billion Dollar Quarter For Quantum, And More News.

🔵 The Quantum Insider Weekly | Quantum Rising in Japan, Billion Dollar Quarter For Quantum, And More News.

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FROM THE EDITOR.

Let’s start with some good news — and also finish with some good news.

First, our congratulations to QNu Labs, which raised approximately $7 million US — 60 crore) in a Series A round. We appreciate the no, doubt, hard work that went into this successful round, which was led by India’s National Quantum Mission and brings its total funding to $20 million.

Congrats, too, to the Rigetti team. The team members announced they closed a $35 million equity investment from Quanta Computer, with shares purchased at approximately $11.59 each.

And in the U.S., the stakes are rising. Microsoft’s Brad Smith urged government leaders to double down on America’s strengths in the global race for quantum. His message: basic research and private advances are gaining speed — and the window to lead is closing.

IBM also stepped up. While not all the money will go directly to quantum, IBM pledged to invest $150 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, including $30 billion dedicated to scaling domestic manufacturing of advanced computing systems, quantum hardware among them.

These are big words and big bucks. Regardless of where the money ultimately lands, it signals that quantum is now squarely on the agenda in the highest offices of American industry and government.

More on this below.

Question from our team. Which will arrive first: GTA VI or fully fault-tolerant quantum computing? I don’t know what this means exactly, but it was the subject of great debate.

Have a great weekend!

— Matt, Chief Content Officer at The Quantum Insider

INSIDER BRIEF.

ANALYST NOTES.

The Noteworthy & Nuanced

In our allegorical quantum cave, everyone is aware of the promise, potential, and dangers of quantum computing. What about the real world outside? According to the latest global Quantum Computing Pulse Poll from ISACA, only 5% of respondents claim that quantum computing is a high priority for near-term planning. The poll further breaks down awareness for multiple categories, such as the post-quantum cryptography standards promoted by NIST. Only 7 percent of professionals report strong familiarity with them, while 44 percent have never heard of them!

Back to our cave (or should I say, Matrix), a recent study suggests that gravity may be an optimization process in the “computer” of our Universe. Rather than treating gravity as a fundamental force, Dr. Mopson from the University of Portsmouth derives Newton’s law of gravity from information theory, mirroring optimization routines seen in quantum computation. This framework suggests new ways for using quantum computers to study gravity and deepen our fundamental understanding of the Universe.

And just so that you don’t leave this week thinking practical quantum computing is still far off, it is now being used to create music! A British technology company has released the first commercially available music track created using quantum-powered generative AI. The track, titled RECURSE, was produced by MOTH in collaboration with electronic artist ILĀ using the Archaeo platform, which blends generative AI with quantum circuits. — Alan Kanapin, Analyst at The Quantum Insider

The Research Rundown

There are some weeks where the thread of connection in research is something I must excavate from scattered data points. But this week, my work, for once, feels nearly done for me. Whether this is coincidence or the start of something more, I’ll leave to time. I am no soothsayer. Only patterns, repeated often enough, can claim that title.

Still, it’s hard not to notice; quite a few headlines this year have carried a familiar refrain that quantum is about to have its GPT moment. Usually, this is meant to imply quantum is right on the precipice of mainstream glory, much how ChatGPT came in swinging. But what’s happening now feels less metaphorical and more literal. Quantum may actually be about to have an actual GPT moment.

This week, several stories revolved around the convergence of quantum and AI. IonQ announced hybrid methods that use quantum circuits to fine-tune large language models, boosting classification accuracy while reducing energy demands. They also demonstrated quantum-enhanced generative models to improve materials science workflows—a subtle reminder that high-impact AI often starts with better data, not just better models. Quantinuum’s approach added another layer: a feedback loop between a quantum processor and a transformer-based AI model, jointly hunting for ground-state energies in molecular systems. A generative quantum eigensolver, they call it. It learns iteratively, improving itself in a loop. Even QED-C weighed in, with a new report exploring how quantum and AI might complement one another in chemistry, logistics, and climate modeling. A roadmap, if not yet a map.

Alongside this dance of intelligence, there were other notes worth hearing on the investment in research. Heriot-Watt University opened the UK’s first optical ground station for quantum-secure satellite communication. And Norma is partnering with AI Fardan Ventures in the UAE to develop a dedicated R&D center. And there we have it—this week’s stories came together like a chord. Not yet a symphony, but maybe a prelude. — Cierra Choucair, Journalist & Analyst at The Quantum Insider

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➡️ IBM announced it will invest $150 billion in the U.S. over five years, with over $30 billion dedicated to research and development focused on scaling domestic manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.

➡️ The initiative centers on IBM’s operations in Poughkeepsie, New York, where its mainframes—responsible for processing over 70% of global transaction value—are manufactured.

➡️ As part of the investment, IBM will continue designing, building, and assembling its quantum systems in the U.S., positioning the country to compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

➡️ IBM's Quantum Network, now used by nearly 300 organizations and more than 600,000 users, serves as a testbed for commercial quantum applications across sectors including national security, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

➡️ Framed as a long-term commitment to American leadership in advanced computing, the announcement reinforces IBM’s role in foundational U.S. infrastructure while advancing the next era of scientific and industrial capabilities.

Analyst Commentary

IBM’s $150 billion announcement is not just another headline — it’s an assertion of strategic intent. The scale of the investment, particularly the $30 billion allocation toward R&D and quantum manufacturing, reinforces the company’s commitment to making the U.S. a center of gravity for next-generation computing.

This isn’t new for IBM. You don’t ride out a century-plus of technological twists and turns without understanding historical patterns and developing long-term research vision. Poughkeepsie remains central to this story — not just as a symbolic location, but as a facility producing machines that already carry the bulk of global economic activity.

Quantum is definitely a part of this strategy and looks to be a more integral part of IBM’s story. By embedding quantum within the broader umbrella of manufacturing and R&D, IBM is positioning the technology not as an isolated experiment but as a core piece of national competitiveness. That’s important. We’ve seen many firms treat quantum as a research sideline; IBM’s framing suggests they see it as integral to their commercial and geopolitical roadmap.

Now, of course, there will be questions. Such, as how many of the billions will find its way to quantum? How much of this $150 billion is new investment — in other words, is this in addition to the vast sums of money that IBM already spends on technology.

But whatever happens, it seems to use that what really stands out is the breadth of IBM’s quantum network — with hundreds of companies, labs, and institutions already engaged. That infrastructure, along with in-house manufacturing capabilities, gives IBM a rare combination of scale, access, and control in a field still in early development.

For all the attention on flashy quantum demos, this is the kind of deep-rooted investment that shapes ecosystems. The dollars are large, but the signal is larger: IBM is to stay at the center of U.S. quantum leadership — not in five years, but now.

DATA SPOTLIGHT.

Quantinuum has achieved a major milestone in quantum computing, becoming the first commercial system to reach a 2-qubit gate fidelity of 99.914(3)%, surpassing the “three nines” threshold of 99.9% fidelity. Additionally, its Quantum Volume—a key performance benchmark—has reached 1,048,576 (2²⁰), setting a new high in the industry and significantly outpacing competitors. These advances place Quantinuum at the forefront of scalable, high-fidelity quantum computing technology. Will the company also be the first to breach the “four nines” (99.99%)? That remains to be seen.

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS.

👩‍💻 The Future Leaders in Quantum (FLIQ) Virtual Hackathon, led by ITU and the Quantum Coalition, invites global participants from all backgrounds to build real-world quantum solutions across science, education, art, and innovation tracks—no prior experience required and $10,000 in prizes, mentorship, and travel grants to the AI for Good Summit.

🇺🇸 The White House’s FY 2026 budget proposal maintains existing funding for quantum information science through the Department of Energy and NSF but introduces no new initiatives, growth plans, or mention of the National Quantum Initiative.

🇮🇳 IBM and Tata Consultancy Services are partnering to install India’s largest quantum computer at the new Quantum Valley Tech Park in Amaravati, supporting India’s National Quantum Mission.

💰️ QNu Labs has raised approximately $7 million in a Series A round led by India’s National Quantum Mission to expand its QShield quantum-safe cybersecurity platform and scale international deployments.

🤑 IBM has announced a $150 billion investment in U.S. innovation over five years, with over $30 billion dedicated to R&D and a focus on expanding quantum computing and mainframe manufacturing in New York. Framing quantum as a key platform shift, IBM aims to enhance national security, job creation, and U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies.

⚠️ Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that the U.S. risks falling behind China in quantum computing without stronger federal investment, talent development, and domestic supply chain support. He urged coordinated national action to boost quantum R&D, citing China's multi-billion-dollar efforts and calling for a renewed science policy.

🙃 A global ISACA poll found that while 62% of tech and cybersecurity professionals are concerned about quantum threats, only 5% consider it a near-term priority, and 41% have no current plans to address it.

💵 Rigetti Computing received a $5.48 million U.S. Air Force award to advance its ABAA chip fabrication method, which improves superconducting qubit performance by addressing microscopic defects called two-level systems.

📜 India’s first National Quantum Mission report highlights strong progress in quantum software and communication, but notes gaps in domestic hardware fabrication, industrial investment, and workforce capacity. To address these, India plans to expand local manufacturing, improve regulatory frameworks, and support deep-tech startups.

📊 Maryland has launched the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub in partnership with DARPA and the University of Maryland to evaluate quantum computing systems for national security and commercial use. Backed by up to $200 million in public funding, the hub will support DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.

🤝 Q-STAR and UKQuantum have signed an MoU to enhance quantum technology collaboration between the UK and Japan. The agreement is designed to support joint initiatives, industry partnerships, and knowledge exchange to accelerate innovation across both national quantum ecosystems.

🏆️ QuEra has been selected for Stage A of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, where it will present its neutral-atom quantum computing approach and scalable qubit shuttling technology for evaluation.

🖥️ Terra Quantum and Siemens Cre8Ventures have partnered to integrate a Quantum-as-a-Service platform into the Siemens Digital Twin Marketplace, enabling secure quantum capabilities for European automotive and aerospace applications.

🏦 Orientum and KB Kookmin Bank have signed a strategic MOU to jointly develop quantum-powered financial services, including quantum algorithms, encryption, and financial simulations. The partnership also includes education programs and proof-of-concept projects.

EVENTS.

May 13-14 -- The Economist Impact's 4th Annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2025 at London UK. Be among 1000+ leading quantum professionals, global leaders, policy makers, business executives and more to attend this in-person event in London.

May 14-15 -- Q2B Tokyo 2025 The conference will cover a broad range of quantum technology themes including QC Computing, Communications & Sensing, Quantum AI, Error Correction, & Quantum in HPC.

May 20-22 -- Join us for the 3rd annual IQT Nordics, May 20-22, 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and contribute to scaling quantum computers towards real world applications.

May 26 -- Grand Opening: QAI Ventures Accelerator Batch III Switzerland. Join us at uptownBasel to celebrate the launch of our third startup cohort and kick off the QAI Ventures Accelerator in true QAI style: Come for the vision. Stay for the rooftop vibes.

June 9-12 -- Adiabatic Quantum Computing (AQC) 2025 Conference will be held at the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada from June 9-12, 2025. The AQC conference series, now in its 14th year, is an annual international gathering of researchers working on diverse aspects of quantum computing.

June 18-19 -- Quantum Now|ICI Quantique will be held in MontrĂŠal, QuĂŠbec, Canada.

September 24-25, 2025 -- Q2B25 Paris at CitĂŠ des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Paris, France.

Sept. 29-Oct. 1 -- Quantum.Tech Europe is taking place in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The event will bring together the whole quantum supply chain to drive forward the commercial applications of Quantum Technologies.

October 8 -- The Fifth Anniversary of The City Quantum & AI Summit at the Mansion House in the City of London takes place this year with the subtitle Race for Growth.

Dec. 1-4 -- QUEST-IS 2025 Quantum Engineering Sciences and Technologies for Industry and Services From Quantum Engineering to Applications for Citizens. EDF Lab, Paris-Saclay, France