IonQ Expanding into Sensing Domain, Plans to Acquire Vector Atomic
COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 18, 2025 — IonQ has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vector Atomic, a company that specializes in quantum sensors for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications. The acquisition spans Vector Atomic’s portfolio of precision clocks, synchronization hardware, gravimeters, inertial sensors, as well as its 76 employees and 29 patents. The agreement signals IonQ's entry into the quantum sensing market and strengthens its full-stack quantum platform, the company said.
"Integrating Vector Atomic’s sensing capabilities across our compute, networking, and space portfolios will advance our mission to provide scalable, commercial-grade quantum solutions for our customers today," said Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ. In addition to multiple applications and end uses, IonQ cited the utility of optical PNT technologies in avoiding signal jamming and other potential cyber threats.
Vector Atomic was founded in 2018 and is based in Pleasanton, Calif. The company has secured more than $200 million in government contracts, including a recently signed contract for the U.S. Department of Defense’s classified X-37B orbital test vehicle project.
For IonQ, the acquisition follows the establishment of IonQ Federal last week; the newly formed organization aims to integrate IonQ’s technologies to serve the U.S. government and its allies. The pending deal is also the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions: In the last year, IonQ has announced the acquisitions of Qubitekk, Lightsynq Technologies, Capella Space, ID Quantique, and Oxford Ionics.
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Published: September 2025
Glossary
- quantum
- The term quantum refers to the fundamental unit or discrete amount of a physical quantity involved in interactions at the atomic and subatomic scales. It originates from quantum theory, a branch of physics that emerged in the early 20th century to explain phenomena observed on very small scales, where classical physics fails to provide accurate explanations.
In the context of quantum theory, several key concepts are associated with the term quantum:
Quantum mechanics: This is the branch of...
BusinessacquisitionsquantumdefensecomputingIonQVector AtomicQubitekkLightsynq TechnologiesCapella Spaceid QuantiqueOxford Ionicspositioning, navigation, and timing (PNT)Sensors & Detectors