Kirkland & Ellis announced on May 21 that it advised IBM on a letter of intent with the United States Department of Commerce to establish an American quantum chip foundry. The project is supported by CHIPS incentives from the Department of Commerce and will lead to the creation of a new IBM company named Anderon, which will be the country’s first pure-play quantum foundry.
The development is considered significant for maintaining national leadership in quantum technology and supporting a growing domestic ecosystem. The initiative aims to position the United States as a leading manufacturer of quantum wafers, an area seen as vital for economic growth and national security.
IBM plans to contribute $1 billion in cash to Anderon, alongside investments in intellectual property, assets, and workforce expertise. Additional investors are expected as Anderon expands. Located in Albany, New York, Anderon will operate as an independent company running a state-of-the-art 300-millimeter quantum wafer foundry.
According to information released by Kirkland & Ellis, this effort is projected to help solidify America’s central role in what could become an $850 billion industry by 2040. The new facility is also expected to support broader economic development and strengthen national security through advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The Kirkland team advising IBM included corporate lawyers Marshall Shaffer, Claire Campbell and Alex Robertson; along with technology and intellectual property transactions lawyer Matt Lovell.
