Quantum Computing Inc (QCI) has announced plans to construct and operate a new quantum nanophotonics technology manufacturing and research centre to expand its current chip development capabilities.
The company is negotiating several offers of federal, state and regional funding incentives to help finance the project and advance quantum innovation.
The initiative is expected to benefit from the recently passed federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 which allocates $52 billion for the revitalization and onshoring of semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. The funding includes $39 billion in manufacturing incentives and $13 billion to support new research and development.
These federal funds are expected to be released to state and local governments in the first quarter of 2023. QCI is working closely using its existing relationships with government officials, economic development groups and business communities to marshal the required resources for the endeavour.
QCI CEO Robert Liscouski comments: “The passage of the CHIPS Act is a historic opportunity to transform the US semiconductor industry. We are positioned to play a significant role in this effort by applying our engineering expertise and quantum technology to develop the next generation of quantum computing technology, including nanophotonics chips.
“While there is no absolute certainty for success in getting funding, we are heavily engaged with a number of states that are seizing this initiative to establish leadership in the manufacturing of this critical technology. They recognise that our technology is vital to our technological base and the development of a well-educated and trained workforce that will enable the U.S. to remain a leader in technological innovation, Liscouski added.
Optical chips are expected to provide the greatest scalability and performance advantages for quantum information processing, networking, sensing and imaging.
For the planned facility, QCI expects to raise $30 million from CHIPS funding, as well as through state and regional incentives. The new research centre would complement the research and development activities already underway at QCI’s facilities in New Jersey, as well as further scale and broaden the scope of quantum research efforts.
“The next stage in the process is to evaluate and select the best options for QCI carefully,” noted Liscouski. “This includes a thorough review and analysis of the business climate, tax rates, economic growth potential, and workforce quality among the host of considerations.”
“We believe developing a commercially scalable quantum computing chip represents a massive opportunity, and one that QCI is ready to tackle,” added Liscouski. “The launch of this new manufacturing and research project presents a bold first step toward achieving our vision of a new quantum future.”
