Former Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger has congratulated quantum computing company PsiQuantum for signing a $125 million agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). PsiQuantum and DARPA have teamed up to investigate the feasibility of utility-scale quantum computers, which expand the technology from experimental setups to systems capable of solving complex problems.

Quantum Computing Startup Supported By Former Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger Marks Major DARPA Contract Win

Gelsinger's latest remarks come after he shared quite a bit of optimism surrounding quantum computing last month in an interview. In an episode of the All-In Podcast in July, the former Intel executive discussed his time at the company back when it was the global leader in personal computing technology and the geopolitics of the semiconductor industry, which has placed the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, Taiwan's TSMC, at the center of global political tensions.

The former Intel CEO also shared his take on the future of quantum computing. Being more optimistic than most, Gelsinger remarked that the technology could become viable by the end of this decade. Some industries that he predicted could benefit from quantum computing included logistics, which he believes would benefit from improved algorithmic computations.

PsiQuantum personnel with a cryogenic cabinet installed at PsiFactory in Milpitas, California. As a Stage C performer in the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, PsiQuantum has provided DARPA’s team of experts with unparalleled access to the company’s facilities. (Credit: PsiQuantum)

Now, in a LinkedIn post, Gelsinger congratulated PsiQuantum for its recent expanded agreement with DARPA. "Congratulations to the PsiQuantum team on this important milestone. DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is raising the bar for the industry by focusing on measurable progress toward utility-scale quantum computing. Rigorous technical validation like this will help accelerate the entire quantum ecosystem," wrote the former Intel CEO.

PsiQuantum, which develops silicon-photonics platforms, is currently aiming towards utility-scale quantum computing, which aims to use large-scale quantum computing to solve major problems. It operates on a modular architecture that combines chips, cryogenics and other systems to create a platform that can be deployed at scale.

The firm's latest agreement with DARPA is an expanded agreement, which is worth $125 million. Through the deal, the government agency and PsiQuantum will evaluate methods to bring quantum computing technology to a utility-scale. PsiQuantum was selected by DARPA to investigate unexplored quantum computing systems for utility-scale deployment. The firm progressed to Stage C of this evaluation in February 2025. In September, it entered into a $31.8 million agreement to continue testing and evaluation.

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