Betting $100 Million on Quantum Computing: U.S. Government Strengthens Alliances with Equity Stake

Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS R&D program to explore securing up to $100 million (approximately KRW 130 billion) in funding over the next three years. In return, the government will acquire an equity stake, and Rigetti plans to allocate the proceeds toward scaling its superconducting quantum computing systems and related R&D. At the same time, an insider and the CFO sold portions of their shares under a predetermined plan for tax purposes, although filings show that both still retain significant ownership stakes.

On the 11th of this month, the company reported its first-quarter 2026 results and shared updates on its technology roadmap, including progress on a modular multi-chip 108-qubit system. In March, Rigetti also unveiled plans to invest up to $100 million in the U.K. in phases to accelerate its quantum computing development and expand its European operations, reflecting its broader global investment strategy.

Rigetti is a full-stack superconducting quantum computing company that designs and manufactures quantum chips in its own fabrication facility and provides control software and cloud services. Leveraging its modular multi-chip architecture, the company is advancing the commercialization of large-scale quantum systems. Under the CHIPS Act, the U.S. government is distributing funds to Rigetti alongside IBM, GlobalFoundries, and D-Wave to strengthen the domestic quantum and semiconductor ecosystem and secure technological leadership.