DARPA Moves Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ Into Final Stage of Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
· TexaHub · Quantum, Geopolitics & Tech, Technology Trends
DARPA has advanced four more companies to Stage C of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, joining Microsoft and PsiQuantum. Stage C moves from paper plans to government-led verification of whether each design can be built and operated as proposed.
Four Companies Join Microsoft and PsiQuantum
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on 8 October moved Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ into Stage C of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), according to The Next Web [1]. Until then, only Microsoft and PsiQuantum had reached that stage.
Atom Computing, based in Boulder, Colorado, builds neutral-atom arrays. Diraq, based in Sydney, develops silicon spin qubits. IBM pursues modular superconducting processors, and IonQ uses trapped ions [1]. The mix shows that DARPA is not committing to a single qubit technology at this point.
What Stage C Involves
QBI began assessing companies in mid-2024 and aims to determine whether any approach can deliver a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033; The Next Web reports that more than 20 firms have been reviewed so far [1]. In November 2025 DARPA selected 11 companies for the yearlong Stage B research phase, and said those completing it would face an independent verification and validation team assessing whether proposed systems can be built and operated as designed [3].
The Next Web quotes Micah Stoutimore, the initiative's managing director, as saying: "Stage C is where we begin moving from plans to proof" [1].
Funding and Company Targets
Atom Computing said Stage C carries potential funding of up to $300 million, per The Next Web [1]. Forbes Australia reports that Diraq will receive US$51 million initially, which could rise to as much as US$300 million over the programme's duration [2].
Diraq chief executive Andrew Dzurak told Forbes Australia that Stage C is a government R&D contract rather than an equity round, so the money goes into testing, research infrastructure and hiring. He said Diraq aims to deliver a utility-grade quantum computer by 2031, ahead of DARPA's 2033 timeline [2]. That target is the company's own and has not been validated by DARPA.
The Next Web also notes that Atom Computing has built systems with more than 1,200 qubits and sold a quantum computer to QuNorth in 2025 [1].
Sources
[1] DARPA moves Atom Computing, IBM, IonQ and Diraq to final quantum test stage — The Next Web, 8 Oct 2026
[2] Quantum startup Diraq lands $73 million as it pushes through US defence program — Forbes Australia, 8 Oct 2026
[3] DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Stage B selections — ExecutiveGov, 7 Nov 2025