Insider Brief
- IBM announced a $150 billion investment plan over five years to strengthen U.S. innovation and technology leadership, including more than $30 billion for research and development.
- The company will continue manufacturing mainframes in Poughkeepsie, New York, and expand its American-based quantum computing operations.
- IBM described quantum computing as a major platform shift poised to boost U.S. competitiveness, create jobs, and enhance national security.
That’s Billion, with a “B”.
IBM said it plans to invest $150 billion in the United States over the next five years, a move the company framed as both an economic catalyst and a strategy to strengthen its leadership in computing technologies, including quantum computing.
In a company statement, the company said the investment includes more than $30 billion earmarked specifically for research and development, with a focus on advancing American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.
“Technology doesn’t just build the future — it defines it,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer, in the statement. “We have been focused on American jobs and manufacturing since our founding 114 years ago, and with this investment and manufacturing commitment we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities.”
The announcement spotlights IBM’s ongoing role as one of the nation’s largest technology employers and a company with a longstanding record of contributions to critical infrastructure projects. IBM’s systems have historically supported programs ranging from the U.S. social security system to NASA’s Apollo Program, and continue to support businesses across multiple industries, according to the statement.
Centered Operations Poughkeepsie
IBM’s investment plans center around its operations in Poughkeepsie, New York, where the company manufactures its flagship mainframe computers. These systems, IBM reports, form the backbone of global financial transactions, with more than 70% of the world’s transaction value running through IBM mainframes produced in the United States.
The company also plans to deepen its commitment to quantum computing.
IBM writes that it the world’s largest fleet of quantum systems and will continue designing, building and assembling quantum computers in America. IBM described quantum computing as a transformational technology shift capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers. These capabilities, the company said, are expected to drive advances in fields from scientific discovery to national security, while also enhancing American industrial competitiveness.
IBM’s Quantum Network gives companies and institutions access to IBM’s quantum systems to provide the next generation of quantum solutions.
“Enabling these solutions will not only help us better understand the fundamentals of how the world works but are projected to transform American competitiveness, jobs, and national security,” the IBM team writes. “IBM’s Quantum Network provides access to IBM’s quantum systems for nearly 300 Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, national laboratories and startups and is accessed by over 600,000 active users. currently counts nearly 300 Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, national laboratories, and startups among its members.”
Long-Term Commitment
The company framed the $150 billion commitment as a signal of its long-term confidence in American innovation and economic growth. By investing heavily in advanced manufacturing, research, and new technology platforms,
IBM added it aims to foster new opportunities across industries while reinforcing the country’s leadership in global technology markets.
