U.S. Government Becomes Owner of Quantum Computing Companies, Not Just a Customer

Washington is investing $2 billion in quantum computing by buying ownership stakes in nine companies instead of simply paying for work. This makes the government a shareholder with a say in how the companies operate—like owning part of a business. The twist: the government cares about national security and supply chains, which might not match what other owners want. Quantum machines are now treated like critical infrastructure.