IBM CEO Affirms Quantum Computing Timeline Despite Sector Weakness

IBM (IBM-US) CEO Arvind Krishna expressed unwavering confidence in quantum computing's trajectory on Tuesday at New York Tech Week, even as quantum stocks retreat. Speaking on June 3, 2026, Krishna stated the company convinced itself earlier this year that the necessary scientific progress is achievable. IBM plans to invest $10 billion over five years in quantum R&D and manufacturing, targeting a fully error-corrected quantum supercomputer, codenamed Starling, by 2029. A recent breakthrough simulating 12,000 atoms, up from 300, bolsters this roadmap. The U.S. Commerce Department recently backed IBM’s upcoming quantum chip foundry, Anderon, with $1 billion of a total $2 billion support package, positioning IBM as a key infrastructure provider for the sector. The positive outlook contrasts with market sentiment. Quantinuum, the first pure-play quantum company to debut via a traditional IPO, saw its shares fall 6.8% on June 5 after an underwhelming first-day close. Krishna noted roughly 300 institutional, corporate, and government clients are deeply engaged with IBM on quantum computing.