IBM has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to invest $150 billion in U.S.-based technology infrastructure, focusing on strengthening domestic manufacturing and pushing the frontiers of computing. The tech giant says the money will go toward boosting American manufacturing and pushing ahead in some of the most cutting-edge areas of computing, especially mainframes and quantum tech, where it’s setting aside more than $30 billion.

According to CEO Arvind Krishna, this is about reaffirming IBM’s long-standing commitment to building and innovating in the U.S., a mission that dates back more than a century.

In today’s unpredictable economic and geopolitical climate, the investment also gives IBM a stronger foothold at home, helping shield it from global disruptions and keeping it front and center in the race for AI and advanced computing leadership.

Why It Matters: This move marks one of the largest technology investments announced in the U.S. in recent years and underscores the growing importance of computing sovereignty amid global supply chain risks. With rivals like Nvidia also committing billions to U.S. production, IBM’s pledge positions the company as a pivotal player in shaping America’s future digital infrastructure.

• Historic $150 Billion U.S. Investment Commitment: IBM’s plan represents a massive financial commitment over five years, focusing on expanding its domestic research, development, and manufacturing capabilities. The investment aims to reinforce the company’s role as a cornerstone of the U.S. tech sector while positioning it to lead in the global race for advanced computing and artificial intelligence leadership. It also signals a strong vote of confidence in the U.S. economy amid ongoing global uncertainty.

• $30 Billion Directed to Mainframe and Quantum Computing: A significant chunk of the investment, over $30 billion, will fund cutting-edge research and development in areas like mainframes and quantum computing. These technologies are crucial to IBM’s strategy of offering high-security, high-efficiency computing platforms that support AI and mission-critical applications across industries such as banking, logistics, and national defense.

• Insulation from Trade Policy Volatility and Tariff Risks: While other tech firms grapple with shifting U.S. trade policies and proposed tariffs, IBM maintains that its exposure to such disruptions is minimal, imports account for less than 5% of its spending. The company is also actively exploring alternative sourcing strategies to further mitigate potential supply chain issues. This approach provides IBM with strategic resilience at a time when many CIOs are hesitating to increase discretionary IT spending.

• Strategic Alignment with Federal Industrial Policy (CHIPS Act): IBM’s initiative dovetails with the CHIPS and Science Act, which allocated more than $33 billion to boost domestic semiconductor and tech production. IBM’s focus on expanding facilities like its Poughkeepsie, New York, mainframe plant directly supports national efforts to enhance U.S. technological self-reliance. The company claims that over 70% of global financial transactions by value pass through mainframes built at this facility, underscoring its systemic importance.

Go Deeper -> IBM pledges $150B toward US-based manufacturing, research – Yahoo Finance

IBM pledges to spend $150B in the US over the next few years – Tech Crunch