IonQ Completes Acquisition of Qubitekk, Solidifying Leadership in Quantum Networking
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing and networking industry, today announced the completion of its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Qubitekk, Inc., a prominent quantum networking company. The acquisition brings Qubitekk’s esteemed team, advanced technology, and extensive patent portfolio into IonQ’s operations, solidifying IonQ’s position at the forefront of quantum networking and computing.
“The acquisition of Qubitekk is a key step in IonQ’s journey to lead quantum networking into the future”
Quantum networks are poised to become important infrastructure, with the potential to drive transformative applications in sectors such as defense, finance, and energy. These networks facilitate highly secure communication between multiple quantum nodes using entangled qubits. The technology also enables precise timing synchronization, a transport layer for quantum sensing, and a backbone for distributed quantum computing. With the development and 2022 launch of the EPB Quantum Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee—the first commercially available quantum network in the U.S.—Qubitekk has established itself as a leader in quantum networking.
“The acquisition of Qubitekk is a key step in IonQ’s journey to lead quantum networking into the future,” said Jordan Shapiro, Head of Corporate Development and VP of Financial Planning & Analysis at IonQ. “Qubitekk’s innovative work in quantum networking aligns perfectly with our vision of creating scalable quantum systems that transform industries. By combining our strengths, we are not just expanding IonQ’s capabilities in critical areas like defense and cybersecurity, we expect to accelerate the development of quantum networks, the backbone of tomorrow’s quantum internet.”
IonQ has emphasized quantum networking as a strategic priority for scaling its quantum computers, as well as improving the usefulness of quantum computing in general. Its architecture plans to use photonic interconnects to link multiple quantum computers, enabling the creation of a more powerful quantum cluster. Years of investment in advancing this technology for quantum computing have positioned IonQ to make significant strides in quantum networking.
The acquisition of Qubitekk also strengthens IonQ’s customer base, creating new opportunities for bookings and revenue, and expands its quantum networking hardware and security patent portfolio to over 600 U.S. and internationally issued and pending patents with Qubitekk’s 118 U.S. and international patents.
“Joining forces with IonQ allows us to further our collective mission of making the quantum-enabled internet a near-term reality,” said Stan Ellis, Co-Founder and CEO of Qubitekk. “We are excited to become part of IonQ, bringing our quantum networking expertise to IonQ’s groundbreaking work in quantum computing.”
The Qubitekk team, including Co-Founder and CEO Stan Ellis, Co-Founder and CTO Dr. Duncan Earl, Chief Revenue Officer Corey McClelland, and President Keith Clark, has joined IonQ to advance quantum networking initiatives.
IonQ’s acquisition of Qubitekk follows closely on the heels of a series of recent quantum networking announcements from IonQ. In September, IonQ announced the largest known 2024 U.S. Quantum Contract Award of $54.5 million with United States Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to design, develop and deliver quantum networking technology. Recently, IonQ demonstrated remote ion-ion entanglement as a key milestone towards scaling its compute across multiple quantum processors using photonic interconnects. Earlier this year, IonQ announced that it was selected by the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) for a quantum networking contract to design a first-of-its-kind, networked system for blind quantum computing. Blind quantum computing enables quantum computers to operate while remaining ‘blind’ to what information is being processed through them.
To learn more about IonQ and its latest system news and business developments, visit https://ionq.com.
Advisors
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati served as legal counsel for IonQ.
Calabasas Capital served as financial advisor to Qubitekk.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is a leader in the quantum computing and networking industry, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, Built In’s 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.
IonQ Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words “poised,” “to drive,” “plans,” “enables,” “step,” “creating,” “transform,” “accelerating,” “enabling,” “positioned,” “opportunities,” “expands,” “expanding,” “further,” “develop,” “advance,” “design,” “deliver,” “vision,” “mission,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the future significance and capabilities of quantum networks, the future creation of transformative quantum systems, accelerated development of quantum networks, the creation of a quantum internet, IonQ’s vision, mission, and strategy related to quantum networking and quantum systems, the expansion of IonQ’s expertise, capabilities and technologies, IonQ’s expansion into the quantum networking market, expectations for IonQ bookings and revenue, the expected contributions to IonQ from former Qubitekk employees, and IonQ’s future market position. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: our ability to manage our growth, including integrating acquisitions, effectively; the high competitiveness of the quantum industry; any disruptions and other problems with our facilities, operations including research and development, or test systems; IonQ’s ability to attract and retain its key employees and other personnel with specialized knowledge; any inadequacies in the overall pace of technology development in the quantum industry, including inadequate advances in the state of quantum networking and quantum systems; IonQ’s and the industry’s reliance on continued investment by the public and private sectors in developing quantum networks and systems; development of the quantum industry in ways that don’t require IonQ quantum systems or networks; IonQ’s relatively limited history in development quantum networks; IonQ’s failure to achieve quantum advantage; our ability to successfully execute our strategy; our ability to convert opportunities into bookings and revenue; the capability of our quantum systems and quantum networks to provide transformative applications and quantum advantage; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ, its assets or the quantum sector generally; IonQ’s ability to implement its technical roadmap; and IonQ’s ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of IonQ’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
