September 9, 2026
D-Wave Quantum secured up to $100 million in CHIPS Act funding, giving the government a minority equity stake.
What happened
D-Wave Quantum announced a definitive agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce for up to $100 million in CHIPS Act funding. The Commerce Department will receive a minority, non-controlling equity stake in exchange. Despite the news, D-Wave shares fell 4 percent on the day.
Why it matters
This deal directly links public funds for domestic chip manufacturing to the quantum computing sector. By taking an equity position, the government ties its return to the company's commercial success rather than just issuing a grant, while the cash infusion helps D-Wave fund infrastructure without taking on debt.
The case against
The 4 percent drop suggests the market is not celebrating the deal. Government equity, even if non-controlling, can create uncertainty about future dilution or strategic direction. The funding is also described as 'up to' $100 million, meaning the final amount and conditions still present a risk.
Our read
We believe investment in advanced manufacturing will continue driving growth over the next 2 to 3 years, but government subsidies risk being one-time boosts rather than sustainable demand. The true test is whether this capital leads to scalable, repeatable commercial revenue for D-Wave.
What settles it
The final, binding terms of the agreement and any milestones tied to the full $100 million payout.