IonQ agreed to acquire Qubitekk, a prominent quantum networking company based in Vista, California. The acquisition will bring Qubitekk’s team, technology, and patent portfolio into IonQ’s fold, advancing IonQ’s quantum networking capabilities. The deal, set to close within six months pending regulatory conditions, will integrate Qubitekk’s expertise, including its achievements like the EPB Quantum Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the first commercially available quantum network in the U.S. Qubitekk’s executive team, including CEO Stan Ellis and CTO Dr. Duncan Earl, will join IonQ to further drive quantum networking initiatives.
Quantum networks hold transformative potential for industries such as defense, finance, and energy by facilitating ultra-secure communication, timing precision, distributed quantum computing, and advanced quantum sensing. IonQ has already incorporated photonic interconnects into its quantum computing architecture to link multiple quantum systems, a key strategy for scaling its technology. With this acquisition, IonQ aims to capitalize on new revenue streams and bolster its position as a commercial leader in both quantum computing and quantum networking.
• Acquisition of Qubitekk by IonQ to close within six months
• Qubitekk’s team, including CEO Stan Ellis, will join IonQ
• Adds 118 U.S. and international patents to IonQ’s portfolio
• Expands IonQ’s customer base and revenue opportunities in quantum networking
• Qubitekk’s work includes EPB Quantum Network, the first commercial quantum network in the U.S.
• IonQ has secured a $54.5 million U.S. Air Force contract for quantum networking technology
“We are thrilled to join forces with IonQ and leverage our early advantage in quantum networking,” said Qubitekk CEO Stan Ellis. “Unifying Qubitekk with IonQ allows us to pursue the quantum-enabled internet as a near-term reality.”
