Four quantum computing firms have progressed to the conclusive phase of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a programme designed to determine whether a practical quantum computer can be developed by 2033. The advancement means the US defence research agency will now evaluate whether each company's quantum architecture can actually be constructed and operated as specified.

Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ received the announcement from DARPA on Wednesday. Microsoft and PsiQuantum had already reached this final phase, called Stage C, through participation in an earlier pilot effort. Each of the four newly advanced teams employs a distinct qubit technology, the fundamental building block of quantum computers.

Stage C is where we begin moving from plans to proof

Micah Stoutimore, programme managing director

During Stage C, a government evaluation team will assess whether each organisation's design functions as intended and can be manufactured according to specifications. DARPA characterises the initiative as collaborative rather than competitive, with no winners being selected. The agency defines a quantum computer as useful when its computational output surpasses its operational expenses.

We increasingly expect that someone will build a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033

Micah Stoutimore

Four teams, four approaches

The four advancing teams pursue distinct technological pathways:

  • Atom Computing, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, employs trapped neutral atom arrays
  • Diraq, operating from Sydney, develops spin qubits integrated into silicon substrates
  • IBM manufactures modular superconducting processor systems
  • IonQ utilises trapped ion technology

Since launching in mid-2024, the programme has evaluated more than 20 companies. France's Quandela entered the initial stage in May.

What Atom Computing gets

Atom Computing disclosed that participation in this stage includes potential funding reaching $300 million. The company will receive algorithm development support and error correction methodologies from Microsoft as part of the programme.

We believe utility-scale quantum computing is closer than many expect

Ben Bloom, Atom Computing chief executive and founder

Atom Computing has previously constructed systems containing more than 1,200 qubits. In 2025, the company delivered a quantum computer to QuNorth, a Nordic consortium supported by Denmark's EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Additionally, it has executed a $100 million letter of intent with the US Department of Commerce.

Earlier this year, the US government committed $2 billion to support nine quantum companies in exchange for equity participation. Microsoft, already positioned in Stage C, announced in June that it had employed agentic AI technology to increase its quantum chip reliability by a factor of 1,000.

Source: The Next Web