IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a pacesetter in quantum computing and networking, has accomplished the acquisition of Qubitekk, a distinguished quantum networking firm. IonQ had previously announced it could be buying Qubitekk in an all-cash deal for $22 million in November of final 12 months. The deal brings Qubitekk’s superior expertise, staff, and patent portfolio into IonQ’s operations, bolstering its place in quantum networking and accelerating the event of quantum web infrastructure. This acquisition will add to the earlier networking expertise IonQ acquired when it acquired the assets of Canadian startup Entangled Networks in January 2023.
Quantum networks, which allow safe communication and distributed quantum computing, are anticipated to drive transformative purposes in protection, finance, and power. Qubitekk’s experience contains the event of the EPB Quantum Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee—the primary commercially accessible quantum community within the U.S.
Jordan Shapiro, IonQ’s Head of Company Growth, emphasised the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating that it aligns with IonQ’s imaginative and prescient of scalable quantum techniques. The combination of Qubitekk’s 118 patents expands IonQ’s mental property portfolio to over 600 U.S. and worldwide patents, enhancing its capabilities in quantum networking {hardware} and safety.
The acquisition follows IonQ’s current milestones, together with a $54.5 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab and developments in distant ion-ion entanglement. These efforts place IonQ to hyperlink a number of quantum computer systems utilizing photonic interconnects, paving the best way for extra highly effective quantum clusters.
For added particulars, go to IonQ’s press launch here.
January 6, 2025
