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IBM moves to second stage of program that rigorously and objectively validates approaches to building a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer

Nov 6, 2025

November 6, 2025 — YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, New York – IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has been selected for Stage B, the second of three stages of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative led by DARPA, the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

As the independent research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense, DARPA’s work focuses on identifying, creating, and supporting transformational, high-reward technologies for national security. In 2024, DARPA launched the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to determine the feasibility of building an industrially fault-tolerant quantum computer whose computational value exceeds its cost.

The program is designed to rigorously validate and verify multiple approaches towards delivering such a quantum computer by 2033.

“IBM’s progression to Stage B of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is a firm validation of IBM’s approach to delivering a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research. “IBM has publicly laid out our comprehensive plan and roadmap to scale quantum computers towards fault-tolerance. As the industry advances, we look forward to working with DARPA as they continue an unbiased review of potential viable strategies across the field.” 

QBI aims to support the Stage B “performers’” ongoing research and development efforts through third-party verification and validation of their strategy.

As part of the initiative, IBM is also aiming to explore novel approaches to scaling control systems for quantum computers with SEEQC.

Each successful QBI performer will progress through three stages of the program:

• Stage A required an initial technical concept of a cost-effective, fault-tolerant quantum computer that has a plausible path to realization in the near term. Stage A performers were announced in April 2025.
• Announced today, Stage B called for a comprehensive research and development plan capable of realizing such a quantum computer, as well as the risks associated with this plan and mitigation approaches.
• Stage C, according to DARPA, will be when “the QBI independent verification and validation (IV&V) team will test the companies’ computer hardware.”

Visit the DARPA website for more information about the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com.

Media Contact:

Chris Nay

IBM Research Communications

cnay@us.ibm.com

• The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program connects service members with civilian career opportunities, offering guaranteed job interviews for qualified candidates with participating employers after military service
• This program can offer transitioning U.S. service members meaningful industry experience in business aviation and defense, reflecting Bombardier’s deep commitment to supporting veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life and strengthening the company’s talent pipeline
• As the first aviation company in Kansas to join the PaYS network, Bombardier strengthens its position as an employer of choice — both within the state and across the U.S.

Bombardier today announced an official partnership with the United States Army through the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program, a nationwide initiative that helps soldiers and veterans secure meaningful employment following their military service. Bombardier is the first aerospace company in the state of Kansas to be part of PaYS.  

By signing the PaYS agreement, Bombardier becomes part of a distinguished network of over 1,000 public and private sector organizations that have committed to supporting the career success of America’s Soldiers. Through PaYS, qualified service members are guaranteed up to five job interviews, aligning applicants’ military skills with civilian career opportunities. 

“Bombardier has an enduring partnership with the U.S. Army, and we are honored to deepen that relationship through our participation in the PaYS program,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “As the first aviation company in Kansas to join PaYS, this milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting America’s service members as they transition back to civilian life. With the continued expansion of our U.S. operations, we look forward to welcoming highly skilled veterans into our workforce.”     

Bombardier has a strong footprint in the U.S., anchored by five service centres in key locations across the country – with a new site set to open in Fort Wayne in the second half of 2026 – and manufacturing facilities in Red Oak and Los Angeles. Through PaYS, qualified soldiers can take advantage of opportunities across Bombardier’s robust network supporting both civilian and military aircraft.  

Established over 25 years ago, the PaYS Program connects soldiers — whether they serve on active duty, in the Army Reserve, or in the Army National Guard — with employers who recognize the value of their discipline, training, and leadership experience. Soldiers are eligible to participate in the program at the time of their enlistment and are guaranteed interviews with their selected partners upon completion of their service, provided job vacancies exist, and qualifications are met. For more information about the U.S. Army PaYS Program, visit
www.armypays.com. 

About Bombardier 

At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.  

For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. 

Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.     

For Information 

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Sustainability report, as well as the company’s initiative to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book-and-Claim system visit
bombardier.com. 

Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier. 

Media Contacts 

General media contact webform 

Stephanie Faraggi  
+1-514-513-7830 

stephanie.faraggi@aero.bombardier.com