Rigetti Signs $100 Million Deal for Quantum Computing R&D
News related to:Rigetti Computing, Inc · 2 min read
BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 08, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Rigetti Computing, a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, has signed a $100 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to accelerate research and development (R&D) in superconducting quantum computing. The funding, allocated under the CHIPS Research and Development Office Broad Agency Announcement pursuant to the CHIPS Act, will enable Rigetti to tackle key technical challenges in scaling quantum computing and move closer to commercial viability.
Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, expressed pride in the selection, stating, "We are proud to be chosen by the U.S. government to advance R&D and progress towards our roadmap for delivering commercially viable quantum computing capabilities."
The agreement focuses on three main R&D projects: 1. Compressing readout electronics into an integrated, miniaturized package. 2. Expanding cryogenic capacity by orders of magnitude using a new cryostat architecture. 3. Developing fabrication capabilities for high-connectivity chip architectures.
Kulkarni added, "Solving these crucial challenges in scaling will enable us to transform the industry by placing large-scale quantum computers in the hands of America’s quantum researchers faster. Shortening the time to build quantum systems at scale and reducing their cost will also allow for broader adoption, which will strengthen our domestic quantum computing ecosystem."
Rigetti, based in California, is a leader in superconducting qubits, which are considered one of the leading qubit modalities due to their maturity, clear path to scaling, and fast gate speeds. The company's Cepheus 36-qubit to 108-qubit systems are based on proprietary chiplet-based technology, while their 9-qubit Novera QPU supports a broader R&D community. Rigetti's quantum computers are also available through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services (QCS) platform, enabling global enterprise, government, and research clients to pursue R&D.
This funding is part of the CHIPS Act, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. semiconductor industry. The Department of Commerce will receive a minority, non-controlling equity stake in Rigetti as a condition for the funds, enhancing the return for the U.S. taxpayer.
Rigetti's CEO highlighted the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize critical areas such as cryptography, chemistry, materials science, mathematical optimization, and AI/machine learning. Kulkarni expressed optimism about the timeline for building quantum systems at scale and reducing their costs, noting, "We are committed to accelerating the development of multiple generations of quantum processors and driving the industry forward."
With this substantial financial backing, Rigetti is poised to make significant strides in quantum computing technology, potentially transforming the landscape of quantum research and application in the United States.