IonQ Partners with AFRL on $21.1 Million Quantum Network Project

Insider Brief:

• IonQ announced a $21.1 million project through Qubitekk, Inc. to develop quantum networking infrastructure in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, New York, focusing on secure communication, precise timing, and distributed quantum computing.

• The project will establish high-performing quantum network access points, deliver networking hardware compatible with existing telecommunications systems, and explore secure free-space optical links for communication between ground stations and uncrewed aerial systems (UASs).

• AFRL’s Quantum Information Science & Technology Branch will oversee the project, with leaders emphasizing its importance for advancing national security and maintaining technological leadership.

• This initiative builds on IonQ’s recent successes, including a $54.5 million agreement with AFRL, a collaboration with ARLIS on blind quantum computing, and reported financial growth driven by demand for IonQ Forte Enterprise and Tempo quantum systems.

PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, IonQ announced a $21.1 million project via Qubitekk, Inc. to develop advanced quantum networking infrastructure for the United States Air Force Research Laboratory. The initiative focuses on deploying quantum networks at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, New York, as part of AFRL’s ongoing efforts in quantum information science and technology.

The overall goal of the project is to establish a foundation for quantum networks, a necessary technology for secure communication, precise timing synchronization, and distributed quantum computing. Unlike classical networks, quantum networks use entangled qubits to enable secure communication that is inherently resistant to eavesdropping.

Under this initiative, the release lays out several objectives in collaboration with AFRL. A primary focus is the development of high-performing quantum network access points, which will facilitate seamless communication between quantum computers and other networked devices, thereby driving interoperability across the quantum ecosystem. In addition, IonQ intends to deliver specialized networking hardware designed to expand compatibility between quantum networks and existing telecommunications infrastructure. Another key aspect of the collaboration involves leading research into secure free-space optical links, enabling communication between ground stations and uncrewed aerial systems. This has the potential to advance defense applications and secure communications.

In the release, Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with AFRL to provide advanced quantum network technologies for the U.S. Air Force, leveraging the team and technology of our recent Qubitekk asset acquisition.”

The AFRL Information Directorate’s Quantum Information Science & Technology Branch will oversee this project as part of its mission to explore emerging quantum technologies for national security applications. As reported in the release, Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of AFRL’s Information Directorate, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Advancing quantum technology is crucial for maintaining our nation’s technological leadership. Our partnership with the industry signifies a substantial commitment to nurturing this vital competitive edge. We are devoted to exploring innovative advancements in quantum computing and networking that will enhance our national security capabilities.

This new project builds on IonQ’s recent announcements, including:

• A $54.5 million agreement signed in September 2024 with AFRL to advance quantum research and development.

• A collaboration with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) to design a first-of-its-kind, networked system for blind quantum computing, enabling encrypted quantum computation where the input, operation, and output remain hidden from the computing system.

• IonQ’s Q3 2024 financial results, which showed year-over-year revenue doubling for the quarter, driven by strong demand for its IonQ Forte Enterprise and Tempo quantum computing systems.
  Advancing Quantum Networking

The collaboration with AFRL speaks to the relevance of quantum networks in both commercial and defense sectors. By addressing key challenges in quantum hardware and interoperability, the project may provide the foundation for scalable, secure quantum communication systems.