Analyst(s): Dr. Bob Sutor
Publication Date: March 26, 2025
When we last looked at the collection of quantum computing companies worldwide in December 2024, we identified 67 firms. This number is now 79 as more companies have emerged from intentional or unintentional stealth modes. Since more than one-third of these companies are in the U.S. and Canada, it is worthwhile to do a deep dive into the firms based in these countries and their state and provincial geographical distribution. While some people hoped that the new quantum technologies would spread into areas not usually known for high-tech, that is not the case in general. Nevertheless, states such as Colorado and Illinois and the province of Alberta are making great strides to become quantum centers of the future.
Key Points:
- This report looks at companies headquartered in the U.S. and Canada that produce quantum processing units (QPUs) for computing. These companies represent more than 33% of all companies worldwide building QPUs.
- The geographical distribution of the companies in Canada and the U.S. is far from uniform, with the usual high-tech and deep-tech states and provinces dominating.
- States and provinces with first-class universities and aggressive public and private funding and financial initiatives for quantum technologies are almost always the home bases for these quantum computing companies.
Overview:
This report analyzes the geographical distribution of companies building quantum processing units (QPUs) in the U.S. and Canada. It highlights that these two countries host over 33% of the world’s QPU companies.
The report finds that the distribution of these companies is unevenly concentrated in the usual high-tech states and provinces. States and provinces with leading universities and significant public and private funding for quantum technologies are the primary locations for these companies. California, Massachusetts, and New York in the U.S., and Ontario and Quebec in Canada are notable examples.
Key findings include that of the 79 identified QPU companies worldwide, 28 are headquartered in the U.S. and Canada. A detailed table lists these companies, locations, and public or private status. The report notes a decrease in new companies founded after 2022, suggesting market saturation or a lack of skilled workforce and private investment.
The analysis reveals that traditional tech hubs continue to dominate in quantum computing. While some states and provinces, such as Colorado, Illinois, and Alberta, are making efforts to become quantum centers, established tech areas, such as California and the Northeast, remain at the forefront. Maps and figures illustrate the geographical concentration of these companies.
The report also discusses additional sites of these companies beyond their headquarters and notes that several non-U.S./Canadian companies have established locations in these countries. It points out the importance of federal, state, and provincial initiatives in supporting quantum computing development. Numerous examples of recent funding and program announcements in various regions are provided, demonstrating the significant investment in this sector.
Recommendations include that states and provinces wishing to lead in quantum computing must increase support for these companies, including financial incentives and workforce development. The report also advises caution with quantum “breakthrough” announcements and suggests monitoring geopolitical factors that could affect the market. It also emphasizes the need for improved quantum computing curricula in educational institutions.
About the Futurum Quantum Computing Practice
The Futurum Quantum Computing Practice provides actionable, objective insights for market leaders and their teams so they can respond to emerging opportunities and innovate. Public access to our coverage can be seen here. Follow news and updates from the Futurum Practice on LinkedIn and X. Visit the Futurum Newsroom for more information and insights.
Author Information
Dr. Bob Sutor is a Consulting Analyst for Futurum and an expert in quantum technologies with 40+ years of experience. He is an accomplished author of the quantum computing book Dancing with Qubits, Second Edition. Bob is dedicated to evolving quantum to help solve society's critical computational problems. For Futurum, he helps clients understand sophisticated technologies and how to make the best use of them for success in their organizations and industries.
He’s the author of a book about quantum computing called Dancing with Qubits, which was published in 2019, with the Second Edition released in March 2024. He is also the author of the 2021 book Dancing with Python, an introduction to Python coding for classical and quantum computing. Areas in which he’s worked: quantum computing, AI, blockchain, mathematics and mathematical software, Linux, open source, standards management, product management and marketing, computer algebra, and web standards.
