France to invest over $1 billion in quantum computing companies

France will invest 1 billion euros (about $1.16 billion) into domestic quantum-computing companies and capabilities, partly channelled through a military procurement programme that buys from five French quantum firms including Pasqal and Alice & Bob. President Emmanuel Macron said the next 18–24 months are critical to build a European sovereign value chain. The move aims to bolster France’s tech and defence supply chain and could lift sentiment for French quantum startups and related European tech stocks. The announcement follows U.S. aid — $2 billion in grants to quantum firms, including $1 billion for IBM — which had already driven a surge in IBM shares, highlighting heightened government involvement that’s likely to shape industry funding and investor flows.