Google has withdrawn from a federal quantum technology program, citing concerns over funding conditions that could hinder its research efforts.
Google has opted out of the U.S. federal initiative designed to boost quantum technology development, citing concerns that the funding conditions could impede progress in building a practical quantum computer, as reported by Semafor.
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently greenlit $2.013 billion in funding for nine companies through the CHIPS and Science Act. This funding includes significant allocations for GlobalFoundries ($375 million) and IBM ($1 billion), among others.
The funding distribution to the remaining companies is as follows:
- Atom Computing — $100 million
- Diraq — up to $38 million
- D-Wave — $100 million
- Infleqtion — $100 million
- PsiQuantum — $100 million
- Quantinuum — $100 million
- Rigetti — up to $100 million
The initiative aims to foster research and production in the quantum technology sector, exploring diverse methodologies such as neutral atoms, silicon spin qubits, superconducting systems, photonic technologies, and ion traps. However, a stipulation for funding is that the Department of Commerce will acquire a minority, non-controlling stake in each of the recipient companies, which is a key factor in Google's decision to withdraw.
During the Semafor Tech Summit in San Francisco on June 10, Charina Chow, Chief Operating Officer of Google Quantum AI, mentioned that the company will continue its collaboration with the U.S. government through other avenues. She emphasized the need for more foundational research funding to advance quantum technology and acknowledged the competitive landscape for attracting global talent, particularly with China being a significant rival.
Support for government funding in this sector was echoed by PsiQuantum co-founder Pete Shadbolt, who highlighted the geopolitical significance of investing in quantum technologies for national security. PsiQuantum is one of the companies set to receive $100 million to tackle challenges in photonic quantum computing.
Notably, the competition between the U.S. and China in quantum computing has intensified, especially following China's announcement in March 2025 of its Zuchongzhi 3.0 superconducting quantum computer, which boasts 105 qubits.
