Xanadu Announces Negotiations Toward Up to CAD $390 Million in Support from the Governments of Canada and Ontario to Advance Quantum Manufacturing
Rhea-AI Summary
Xanadu (TSX:CHAC) is negotiating with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for up to CAD $390 million in combined support for Project OPTIMISM, an initiative to build advanced semiconductor and photonic manufacturing for Canada’s quantum supply chain. The funding is subject to due diligence and definitive agreements. The project targets heterogeneous integration, photonic integrated circuit packaging, wafer-level test and quantum module assembly to accelerate Xanadu’s roadmap toward utility-scale quantum computing and quantum data-center infrastructure.
Positive
- Up to CAD $390 million in government support under negotiation
- Plans to build domestic photonic and semiconductor manufacturing capabilities
- Aims to accelerate roadmap toward utility-scale quantum computing
Negative
- Support is conditional, subject to due diligence and final agreements
- No committed funding yet; negotiation does not guarantee final terms
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 06 | Grant award | Positive | -0.1% | Awarded ARPA-E QC3 grant of $2,027,507 for battery-focused quantum platform. |
| Mar 05 | Analyst Day update | Positive | +0.0% | Analyst Day highlighted photonic quantum strategy, $275M PIPE and $3.1B enterprise value. |
| Mar 04 | Analyst Day details | Positive | +0.0% | Outlined NewCo plan, $3.1B pro forma EV and $455M expected net cash at closing. |
| Mar 02 | Form F-4 effective | Positive | -0.5% | SEC declared Form F-4 effective for business combination with ~US$500M expected proceeds. |
| Feb 25 | Tech collaboration | Positive | +0.3% | Mitsubishi Chemical collaboration on EUV lithography algorithms targeting under 500 qubits. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent positive strategic and funding news has been met with muted or mixed price reactions.
Over the past few weeks, Xanadu (via CHAC) reported several milestones: declaration of effectiveness for the Form F-4 and a proposed business combination targeting about US$500 million in gross proceeds, Analyst Day disclosures of a $3.1 billion pro forma enterprise value and $455 million net cash, a $2,027,507 ARPA‑E grant, and an EUV lithography algorithm collaboration targeting fewer than 500 qubits. Despite these, 24‑hour price reactions have generally been small.
Key Terms
photonic quantum computing technical
heterogeneous integration technical
photonic integrated circuit packaging technical
wafer-level semiconductor test and measurement technical
quantum module assembly technical
quantum data-center infrastructure technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
TORONTO, March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. (“Xanadu”), a leading photonic quantum computing company, today announced that it has entered negotiations with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for support for Project OPTIMISM, an initiative to establish advanced semiconductor and photonic manufacturing capabilities for the quantum technology supply chain in Canada. Subject to due diligence and the execution of definitive agreements, up to
Under Project OPTIMISM, Xanadu would aim to establish new domestic capabilities for heterogeneous integration, photonic integrated circuit packaging, wafer-level semiconductor test and measurement, and quantum module assembly. By building this infrastructure in Canada, the initiative is expected to significantly advance Xanadu’s roadmap toward utility-scale quantum computing and future quantum data-center infrastructure, while offsetting a substantial portion of the capital required to develop that next phase of quantum computing deployment.
“Project OPTIMISM reflects a bold vision for building the advanced manufacturing capabilities required to support the next generation of quantum technologies. We believe this investment, upon finalization, will unlock a major milestone for Xanadu and for Canada’s quantum ambitions. With the proceeds expected from our pending transaction alongside the government’s support, we will be well-positioned to fund the infrastructure required for large-scale quantum computing,” said Christian Weedbrook, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xanadu. “We are grateful for the opportunity to explore working with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario as we continue discussions toward advancing this initiative and strengthening Canada’s leadership in quantum innovation.”
The project would help position Canada and Ontario at the forefront of advanced photonics, semiconductor innovation, and quantum manufacturing by addressing key gaps in the emerging quantum technology supply chain and enabling the development of next-generation photonic quantum systems. In addition to supporting quantum computing, the infrastructure and expertise developed through the initiative could contribute to broader advances in areas such as telecommunications, AI hardware, sensing, and other emerging semiconductor-driven technologies.
The proposed support remains subject to the completion of due diligence and the execution of final agreements.
About Xanadu
Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world’s leading quantum hardware and software companies. The Company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. Visit xanadu.ai or follow us on X @XanaduAI.
Business Combination
Xanadu recently announced a business combination agreement with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp. (“Crane Harbor”) (Nasdaq: CHAC), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. The combined company, Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited (“NewCo”), is expected to be capitalized with approximately US
About Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp.
Crane Harbor is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
The proposed business combination transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Crane Harbor and Xanadu for their consideration. NewCo and Crane Harbor have jointly filed a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which was declared effective by the SEC on February 27, 2026, and which includes a definitive proxy statement/prospectus. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents have been mailed to Crane Harbor shareholders as of February 4, 2026, the record date established for voting on the proposed transaction, in connection with Crane Harbor’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and other matters described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Xanadu stockholders in connection with the completion of the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, Crane Harbor’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by NewCo and/or Crane Harbor in connection with the proposed transaction, as these documents will contain important information about NewCo, Crane Harbor, Xanadu and the proposed transaction. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed by NewCo and/or Crane Harbor with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov, Crane Harbor’s website at www.craneharboracquisition.com or by emailing investors@xanadu.ai.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “consider,” “explore,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “aim,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “proposed” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events. These statements include: the ability of Xanadu to successfully negotiate and execute definitive agreements with the Governments of Canada and of Ontario on acceptable terms or at all; the completion of due diligence to the satisfaction of the applicable government parties; the anticipated amount, timing, terms and conditions of any government support, including whether up to
These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of Xanadu and Crane Harbor. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of the combined company following the proposed transaction, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: that Xanadu is pursuing an emerging technology, faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; Xanadu’s historical net losses and limited operating history; that there is substantial doubt about Xanadu's ability to continue as a going concern; Xanadu’s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; Xanadu’s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; Xanadu’s competitive landscape; Xanadu’s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the potential need for additional future financing; Xanadu’s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; Xanadu’s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; Xanadu’s concentration of revenue in contracts with government or state-funded entities; Xanadu’s ability to maintain, protect and defend its intellectual property rights; risks associated with privacy, data protection or cybersecurity incidents and related regulations; the use, rate of adoption, and regulation of artificial intelligence and machine learning; uncertainty or changes with respect to laws and regulations; uncertainty or changes with respect to taxes, trade conditions and the macroeconomic environment; material weaknesses in Xanadu's internal control over financial reporting and the combined company’s ability to maintain internal control over financial reporting and operate as a public company; the possibility that required shareholder and regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction are delayed or are not obtained, which could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; the risk that shareholders of Crane Harbor could elect to have their shares redeemed, leaving the combined company with insufficient cash to execute its business plans; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings or government investigations that may be commenced against Xanadu or Crane Harbor; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; the ability of Crane Harbor or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and other factors described in Crane Harbor’s filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including that none of the risks identified above materialize; that there are no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions, and that no significant events occur outside the ordinary course of business. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact such forward-looking statements can be found in filings and potential filings by Xanadu, Crane Harbor or the combined company resulting from the proposed transaction with the SEC, including under the heading “Risk Factors.” If any of these risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements reflect the expectations, plans and forecasts of Xanadu’s and Crane Harbor’s management as of the date of this communication; subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. While Xanadu and Crane Harbor may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable securities laws. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these statements.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this communication, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
An investment in Crane Harbor is not an investment in any of Crane Harbor’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments, companies or affiliated funds. The historical results of those investments are not indicative of future performance of Crane Harbor, which may differ materially from the performance of Crane Harbor’s founders’ or sponsors’ past investments.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This communication is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. This communication is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering in any province or territory of Canada. In addition, no securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this communication or the merits of any of the securities described herein and any representation to the contrary is an offense.
Participants in the Solicitation
NewCo, Crane Harbor, Xanadu and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Crane Harbor’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by NewCo with the SEC. You can find more information about Crane Harbor’s directors and executive officers in Crane Harbor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and its subsequent filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests is included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.
Press Contact:
press@xanadu.ai
Investor Relations:
investors@xanadu.ai
