The government plans to invest in quantum computers.

President of the United States Donald Trump's administration is in talks with various quantum computing companies regarding equity stakes in exchange for federal funding. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing individuals familiar with the matter, that companies such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum have been discussing the government becoming a shareholder.

According to the report, discussions are ongoing, including funding awards of at least $10 million for each company from Washington. Additionally, other companies such as Quantum Computing and Atom Computing are also considering similar arrangements.

Reuters could not immediately verify the information. A representative from the U.S. Department of Commerce stated in an email that there are currently no negotiations taking place with the companies.

Earlier this year, Trump stated that they would convert government grants into shares, acquiring a 10% stake in Intel. This situation draws attention as one of the extraordinary interventions by the White House in American companies.

Other agreements include the Pentagon's authority to become the largest shareholder in a small mining company, MP Materials, to increase the production of rare earth magnets. Additionally, the government is set to gain a “golden share” with certain veto rights related to the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel.

IonQ declined to comment. However, the White House, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, Atom Computing, and Quantum Computing did not provide any immediate statements.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar, a former quantum computer executive and a Department of Energy official, is leading the funding discussions with companies in the sector.

In February, Microsoft introduced a new chip, claiming that quantum computing technology is “not years, but decades” away. This statement, alongside Google and IBM, forecasts that fundamental changes in computer technology are much closer than previously anticipated.