In a series of announcements this week, IonQ has stated that it will acquire quantum networking company Qubbitek, and has established partnerships with NKT Photonics and Ansys. The moves serve to strengthen the company’s position within the quantum market. IonQ reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the operating assets of Qubitekk. The deal, which is expected to close within the next six months, adds 118 U.S. and international patents in the areas of quantum networking hardware and quantum network security and protection. As part of the transaction, the Qubitekk team will join IonQ, including Qubitekk co-founder and CEO Stan Ellis, co-founder and CTO Duncan Earl, chief revenue officer Corey McClelland, and president Keith Clark. The company expects that the transaction will contribute to near-term bookings and revenue opportunities, extending its leadership in quantum networking. IonQ’s partnership with NKT Photonics serves to supply the company with next-generation laser systems for its trapped-ion quantum computers and networking equipment. NKT will develop and deliver three prototype optical subsystems to IonQ in 2025, designed to support the commercialization of IonQ’s data center-ready quantum computers, such as IonQ Tempo and future barium-based systems. With Ansys, IonQ aims to accelerate simulation, expand high-fidelity design exploration, and reduce product development timelines by integrating quantum computing into the computer-aided engineering industry. The partnership will integrate IonQ’s quantum computers with Ansys’ technology for complex simulations to accelerate discovery and innovation. IonQ will use Ansys’ multiphysics technology, including structural, optical, photonic, and electromagnetic simulation software, to design and optimize key components for scalable, high performance next-generation quantum computers. Last month, IonQ demonstrated remote ion-ion entanglement, and signed a contract with the U.S. Air Force Research laboratory. In August, the company was contracted to design a networked quantum computing system for the Department of Defense. Earlier this year, IonQ reported that it had achieved 35 algorithmic qubits on its Forte platform, one year ahead of schedule.
