IonQ, a US-based quantum computing hardware and software company, has secured a $13.4 million contract to give the US Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) access to its trapped ion systems for quantum computing hardware research and the development of quantum algorithms and applications.
Quantum computing systems and applications have the potential to aid the United States Air Force in the protection of both public and private infrastructure in the United States. The AFRL-IonQ deal is significant public-private cooperation to engage in quantum computing and is IonQ’s latest commercialization milestone.
“Trapped ion systems and their performance demonstrated by high algorithmic qubits (AQ) have some very unique properties making them one of the leading technologies in the development of quantum computing and networking capabilities,” “This contract solidifies AFRL’s long-term strategic focus in quantum information science. The partnership will accelerate critical quantum science and technology projects, benefiting the Air Force as we seek to maintain our competitive advantage and advance our national security interests.” The partnership will accelerate critical quantum science and technology projects, benefiting the Air Force as we seek to maintain our competitive advantage and advance our national security interests.”
Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director of the Information Directorate at the Air Force Research Lab.
The United States House of Representatives introduced the Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act in 2021, emphasizing the need for US investment in quantum-powered threats from foreign actors and quantum computing strength in the region.
The Biden-Harris administration published directives in May 2022 to encourage US leadership in quantum computing. In addition, the National Security Administration (NSA) shared recommendations in September on the significance of cybersecurity preparation against potential enemies building quantum computers.
“Quantum computing is the key that we believe will unlock unforeseen efficiencies and strength in the development and deployment of U.S. defense technologies,” “This area of research holds incredibly exciting promise, and we’re proud to be among the first to partner with the AFRL to further American leadership in this important space.”
IonQ CEO, Peter Chapman.
IonQ’s collaboration with the AFRL is a continuation of its string of successful business and academic ventures, which over the previous year alone have included research and business partnerships with Airbus, GE Research, Goldman Sachs, Hyundai, and others. In addition, the company recently disclosed that its device, the IonQ Aria, is now publicly accessible on Microsoft Azure Quantum, giving developers, academics, engineers, and business titans access to quantum computing through the cloud.
This agreement with AFRL was included in IonQ’s previously identified late-stage opportunity. IonQ is reiterating its financial outlook, as indicated in its latest earnings call on August 15, 2022, following this new contract award.
