DARPA moves IBM, IonQ, Atom Computing and Diraq to the final stage of its quantum benchmarking program

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced on 7 October 2026 that four organizations had advanced to Stage C, the final stage of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI): Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ. Microsoft and PsiQuantum reached this stage earlier through US2QC, a pilot that preceded QBI, and the four newly selected companies join them.

• The four companies use different approaches: Atom Computing uses arrays of neutral atoms, Diraq silicon CMOS spin qubits, IBM modular superconducting processors and IonQ trapped-ion technology.
• Since its mid-2024 launch, QBI has assessed more than 20 companies. The aim is to learn whether any approach can deliver a utility-scale machine by 2033, meaning one whose computing value is greater than its cost.
• In Stage C, the government evaluation team will work with the companies and check whether the proposed utility-scale systems could be built to their designs and work the way they are meant to. DARPA stresses that the program is not a competition to pick winners.
• According to IBM's announcement on the same day, the company plans to deliver its first fault-tolerant quantum system in 2029.

QBI managing director Micah Stoutimore described Stage C as the point where the program moves from plans to proof, and said expectations that someone will build a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033 are growing. DARPA expects to promote more companies to this stage later.

Why it matters

Quantum computers are not yet used in everyday business work, and DARPA's evaluation is still at the testing stage. Even so, a government evaluation team starting to test the proposed systems and IBM's 2029 target could be read as signs that the technology is moving from research toward engineering. Companies making long-term IT plans may find it useful to follow their vendors' quantum roadmaps and preparation topics such as quantum-resistant encryption.