Google turned down Trump administration quantum computing funding because conditions attached to it would have slowed the company's progress, according to Google Quantum AI's COO.

What happened: Google Quantum AI's Chief Operating Officer Charina Chou disclosed at the Semafor Tech summit that the company declined funding from the Trump administration for its quantum computing initiative. She stated that the funding came with conditions that would have slowed Google's progress toward building a quantum computer, even though Google continues to work with the U.S. government in other areas.

Why it matters: The Trump administration is actively pushing quantum computing development as part of a broader strategy for scientific research, economic, and national security. A $2 billion（約3200億円） chip funding deal signed in May allocated $100 million（約160億円） to each of several quantum computing companies including Infleqtion Inc., D-Wave Quantum Inc., Rigetti Computing Inc., and IBM. Google's refusal signals that not all leading tech companies view the government's terms as favorable, despite the administration's investment push.

What to watch: Chou emphasized that the government 'can do more' to support the sector through increased basic research funding, and she flagged challenges in recruiting overseas academics due to tightened immigration and visa policies. She argued that attracting global talent and investment are critical to the U.S.-China race to develop quantum computers, with China acknowledged as a major competitor in the field.