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Trump Eyes Government Control of Quantum Computing Firms With Intel-Like Deals
Donald Trump is eyeing taking equity stakes in quantum computing firms in exchange for federal funding, The Wall Street Journal reported.
At least five companies are weighing whether allowing the government to become a shareholder would be worth it to snag funding that the Trump administration has "earmarked for promising technology companies," sources familiar with the potential deals told the WSJ.
IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum are currently in talks with the government over potential funding agreements, with minimum awards of $10 million each, some sources said. Quantum Computing Inc. and Atom Computing are reportedly "considering similar arrangements," as are other companies in the sector, which is viewed as critical for scientific advancements and next-generation technologies.
No deals have been completed yet, sources said, and terms could change as quantum-computing firms weigh the potential risks of government influence over their operations.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday October 29, @08:34PM
It was wrong then and it's wrong now. This is should not be a partisan issue.
The mingling of state interests in corporate welfare distorts the free market and automatically puts any competitors at a disadvantage. Once the government owns a stake in a company it will do what it can to protect that investment. It doesn't matter whether that means propping it up through cash injections with grants and loans, favorable regulations, or awarding government contracts. The instant that stake is made, the government will do whatever it takes to ensure they make a profit. Other investors will follow because they know this is how things work. It's the ultimate in racketeering and it protects the selected corporations to the detriment of others.
It doesn't matter what party does it. That's not freedom, it's market manipulation.