US move into quantum computing adds to a portfolio that spans semiconductors, steel, nuclear, and rare earths

The Trump administration is expanding the government’s burgeoning investment portfolio, announcing this past week that it will award grants to nine quantum computing companies, including a new IBM (IBM) venture, in exchange ‌for equity stakes.

With the investment, quantum technology — a sector garnering intense investor interest despite questions about its near-term commercial viability — is set to join the administration’s portfolio of investments which already spans semiconductors, steel, nuclear energy, and rare earth minerals.

The move also underlines the growing prominence of quantum computing in national security.

The Trump administration has emphasized national security in its varied investment moves over the last year. Describing them as a means to both turn a profit and support strategic industries, the administration engineered a…