IonQ – a leader in the quantum computing and networking industry – announced the completion of its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Qubitekk, a prominent quantum networking company.
The deal brings Qubitekk’s team, advanced technology, and extensive patent portfolio into IonQ’s operations, solidifying IonQ’s position at the forefront of quantum networking and computing.
Quantum networks are prepared to become essential infrastructure, potentially driving transformative applications in the defense, finance, and energy sectors. And these networks facilitate highly secure communication between multiple quantum nodes using entangled qubits. This technology enables precise timing synchronization, a transport layer for quantum sensing, and a backbone for distributed quantum computing.
With the development and 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.
IonQ has also emphasized quantum networking as a strategic priority for scaling its quantum computers and improving the usefulness of quantum computing. Its architecture plans to use photonic interconnects to link multiple quantum computers, creating a powerful quantum cluster. The years of investment in advancing this technology for quantum computing positioned IonQ to make significant strides in quantum networking.
This acquisition also strengthens IonQ’s customer base, creating new opportunities for bookings and revenue. It 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.
Qubitekk’s 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.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati served as legal counsel for IonQ. And Calabasas Capital served as financial advisor to Qubitekk.
KEY QUOTES:
“The acquisition of Qubitekk is a key step in IonQ’s journey to lead quantum networking into the future. 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.”
– Jordan Shapiro, Head of Corporate Development and VP of Financial Planning & Analysis at IonQ
“Joining forces with IonQ allows us to further our collective mission of making the quantum-enabled internet a near-term reality. We are excited to become part of IonQ, bringing our quantum networking expertise to IonQ’s groundbreaking work in quantum computing.”
– Stan Ellis, Co-Founder and CEO of Qubitekk
