The US government has pledged $2 billion to quantum computing startups, doling out tens of millions each for equity stakes. But Congress is questioning the legality, with one representative claiming the funds were meant for public semiconductors research.

Key to this funding is Anderon, a new foundry backed by IBM and government largesse, which will fabricate quantum processing units for IBM and others. The deal raises eyebrows: could it be an unorthodox public-private partnership, or just corporate welfare with a twist?

Zoe Lofgren argues the money should have gone to fostering public and private research through collaboration, not to IBM alone. She points out that the funding was explicitly for microelectronics development, while quantum tech is only tangentially related.

However, Lofgren acknowledges that quantum technology’s potential is undeniable, urging Congress to revisit the allocation if backing these ventures remains a priority. For now, the legality and wisdom of this investment remain in question.