IBM Enters Quantum Computing Partnership with AMD

The Street’s Todd Campbell reports that old-tech icon IBM is pursuing something brand new, the development of commercial-grade quantum computing products.

Known for achievements such as creating the first magnetic hard disk and building systems that supported space exploration, IBM now seeks to lead in a field expected to develop better medicines, better cybersecurity, new materials, and enable the development of airplanes, rockets, and autonomous vehicles.

The company is partnering with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to merge expertise in quantum systems and high-performance computing. They aim to deliver breakthrough solutions by 2029.

IBM has been researching quantum computing for nearly twenty years. It launched IBM Quantum Experience in 2016 as an early public platform for quantum computing.

AMD brings complementary strengths that already power exascale computing systems such as the US Department of Energy’s Frontier supercomputer.

Together, the companies seek to combine quantum capabilities with advanced AI and machine learning applications.

The collaboration is framed as a mutually reinforcing effort. Quantum computers will excel at simulating molecular interactions, while classical supercomputers remain strong in large-scale data analysis.

By leveraging AMD’s hardware alongside IBM’s quantum research, the partnership seeks to accelerate timelines for solving problems once considered intractable.

IBM has publicly stated goals for quantum systems capable of running 100 million logical operations on 200 logical qubits, an achievement not possible with current technology.

Lawyers in related areas should screen the collaboration for intellectual property considerations, regulatory oversight, competitive dynamics, and questions around data security that will shape how these tools are commercialized.

The anticipated market growth, projected by McKinsey to reach nearly $200 billion by 2040, guarantees legal challenges tied to commercialization, investment structures, and governance in this evolving sector.