IonQ announced a strategic partnership with the University of Cambridge to establish a new quantum research hub and deploy what is expected to become the United Kingdom’s most powerful quantum computer. The collaboration will create the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre at Cambridge’s Ray Dolby Centre, the new home of the Cavendish Laboratory.
As part of the agreement, IonQ will install a 256-qubit quantum computer at Cambridge, providing researchers with access to a commercial-scale quantum system capable of supporting advanced research and industry applications. The initiative represents the University of Cambridge’s largest-ever corporate research collaboration and is designed to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies.
The new centre will support research across multiple areas of quantum technology, including quantum computing, quantum networks, quantum sensing, and quantum security. The partnership will also expand Cambridge’s quantum research ecosystem through new academic positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and PhD opportunities tied to the program.
In addition to supporting academic research, the collaboration will provide computing access to the UK Research and Innovation ecosystem. Innovate UK will facilitate computing time on the system for the National Quantum Computing Centre over a three-year period, enabling researchers and early-stage companies across the United Kingdom to use the quantum computer for experimentation and development.
The initiative is expected to help accelerate the transition of quantum computing from laboratory experimentation to practical applications. Researchers believe the technology could drive breakthroughs in areas such as ultra-secure communication networks, advanced sensors, drug discovery, and the development of new materials.
The quantum computer will ultimately be managed by Cambridge Enterprise, the university’s innovation arm, while researchers across Cambridge’s physics, engineering, medicine, computer science, and policy communities will collaborate on projects connected to the new facility.
The partnership also builds on the United Kingdom’s broader national quantum technology strategy and reinforces Cambridge’s role as one of the world’s leading centers for quantum science and engineering.
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“Cambridge is already a critical player in the UK’s national quantum technology programme, and this partnership will supercharge that role. This is a true partnership, with long-term investment, shared research and co-development in all areas of quantum technology, bringing together physics, engineering, medicine, computer science, policy and more.”
Professor Mete Atatüre — Head Of The Cavendish Laboratory, University Of Cambridge
“We’re proud that Cambridge is at the heart of the UK’s next computing revolution. This new and ambitious partnership is the first of its kind for a UK university. It’s not just a new facility for Cambridge — it’s one for the whole of the UK, and it will develop not only exciting new technologies but also the UK’s next generation of leaders in quantum science.”
Professor Deborah Prentice — Vice-Chancellor, University Of Cambridge
“This historic agreement with Cambridge deepens IonQ’s commitment to the United Kingdom and accelerates our technology platform with novel research at one of the world’s most storied physics powerhouses. By establishing the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre, we are strengthening the bridge between academic discovery and commercial quantum advantage. We believe this partnership will contribute meaningfully to the UK to help advance scalable quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security.”
Niccolò de Masi — Chairman And CEO, IonQ
“I am delighted that Innovate UK is supporting the University of Cambridge in establishing the Quantum Innovation Centre. Back in 2020, Innovate UK awarded a small collaborative grant to Oxford Ionics — now acquired by IonQ — to help develop a UK industrial supply chain for commercial quantum computing. Just five years later, it is fantastic to see investment on this scale, which will catalyse progress in quantum, create UK jobs, and drive growth across many industrial sectors.”
Roger McKinlay — Challenge Director For Quantum Technologies, Innovate UK
“This exciting new partnership will support the UK’s National Quantum Strategy, helping the UK on its mission to become a leading quantum-enabled economy. The NQTP has fostered a great collaborative enterprise over the past 12 years and the new IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre in Cambridge is a wonderful new component in our vision to realise the potential of this transformational science. The strong collaborative foundations of the new Quantum Innovation Centre will accelerate the development of this exciting new technology, which could revolutionise areas that benefit society and the economy, including new ways of developing drugs and diagnosing disease, more precise sensors to monitor critical infrastructure, and next-generation materials for the transition to net zero.”
Professor Sir Peter Knight — Chair Of The Strategic Advisory Board, National Quantum Technology Programme
“This is a significant moment for brilliant researchers at the University of Cambridge which cements the UK’s credentials as a world-leader in Quantum. It will help deliver new breakthroughs to some of our most pressing shared challenges while supporting more academics, PhD students and researchers in the process – ensuring we have a rich pool of Quantum talent for years to come. This partnership will ensure the UK stays at the cutting edge of research and innovation – delivering jobs, growth and advances that will improve lives across the country and around the world.”
Lord Vallance — UK Science Minister
