quantum computing industry

French technology group Thales, computing firm Bull and the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique (CEA) are set to collaborate on software for quantum computers intended for the French armed forces. The partnership links three major French public and industrial players in quantum research, and is being discussed as a sign of France pushing quantum computing into defence applications.

Quantum computing is entering a new phase, with analysts saying the field has moved past pure physics experiments and into an era where supply chains and manufacturing capability will determine which companies succeed. Discussion is focusing on how firms scale production of quantum hardware and secure the components and industrial capacity needed to turn laboratory breakthroughs into commercial products.

The US government has taken equity stakes in four quantum computing startups, extending Washington's recent pattern of direct investments in strategic technology companies. The move signals federal interest in securing a foothold in quantum computing, a field seen as critical to national security and economic competitiveness, and is drawing attention to how far the government will go in backing private tech firms.

French photonic quantum computing company Quandela is looking to partner with Korean firms to manufacture its photonic quantum chips. The move would tie Quandela's quantum photonics technology to South Korea's semiconductor manufacturing base, potentially speeding up production of its quantum processors. Details on specific partners, timelines, or investment amounts were not disclosed, leaving the scope of the collaboration uncertain.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has opened a new 100,000-square-foot research facility aimed at advancing quantum computing and battery technology. The building expands the Tennessee lab's capacity for work on next-generation energy storage and quantum systems, areas seen as critical to US scientific and industrial competitiveness.