IBM plans to spend $30 billion in the development of quantum computers and mainframe systems in the US over the next five years as part of a $150bn investment pledge.
Big Blue announced its plans on Monday in a move that it said would “fuel the economy” and “accelerate” the company’s role as a global leader in computing.
“Technology doesn’t just build the future – it defines it,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM CEO. “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 $150 billion investment includes “more than $30 billion in research and development to advance and continue IBM’s American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers,” the company said in a statement, without going into detail about how the money would be spent.
Many large organizations rely on IBM mainframes, particularly in the financial services industry. The company announced its newest model, the z17, earlier this month.
IBM has also been at the forefront of the development of quantum processors, and in February claimed to have booked $1 billion in quantum business, though didn’t state a timeframe to quantify this statement.
News of the investment could be seen as a way to curry favor with US President Donald Trump, who is threatening to impose large tariffs on goods imported into America in a move he believes will boost domestic manufacturing.
IBM is one of the largest technology suppliers to the US government, and saw 15 contracts cancelled in the first quarter of the year as part of cost-cutting measures implemented by DOGE, the government efficiency department set up in the wake of Trump’s election and spearheaded by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk.