Summary: DARPA eyes companies targeting industrially useful quantum computers | DARPA
DARPA has initiated a comprehensive quantum benchmarking program targeting industrially useful quantum computers by 2033. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), launched July 2024, has selected 18 companies (17 announced) across diverse qubit technologies for rigorous three-stage validation. Stage A (6-month technical review) will be followed by Stage B (yearlong R&D plan evaluation) and Stage C (hardware testing). High-confidence prediction: At least 2-3 companies will demonstrate utility-scale quantum computing potential by 2028, with first operational systems possible by 2031-2032. Strategic implication: US government is positioning for quantum supremacy within the decade, potentially disrupting global technology balance.
Published September 11, 2025