IBM unveiled plans to invest $150 billion in the US over the next five years in a bid to solidify the country’s leadership in computing technologies.
The initiative includes more than $30 billion earmarked for research and development to drive innovation in American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.
Announcing the move, CEO Arvind Krishna emphasised IBM’s commitment to American jobs and manufacturing, stating the investment will ensure the company “remains the epicentre of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities”.
In the statement, IBM also claimed a leading position in quantum computing with the world’s largest fleet of quantum systems. It plans to continue designing, building, and assembling quantum computers domestically, stating the technology will be a critical driver for economic competitiveness, job creation, and national security in the US.
The company’s Quantum Network currently serves nearly 300 Fortune 500 companies, national laboratories, academic institutions and startups, with more than 600,000 active users accessing its quantum systems.
IBM is one of a number of companies ramping up their quantum computing activity. Last week, Fujitsu revealed plans to integrate generative AI with quantum systems, while operators Telefonica and SK Telecom have both made moves.
The latter is preparing to open a quantum research centre in Spain and in South Korea, SKT partnered with US-based quantum tech company IonQ to advance its AI and quantum technology efforts.