Quantum computing leader IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Colorado-based software and technology firm Seed Innovations, bolstering its push toward enterprise-ready quantum solutions. The acquisition, expected to close on January 30, 2026, will integrate Seed’s machine learning and cloud architecture expertise directly into IonQ’s Quantum Infrastructure team. This move aims to optimize system performance and scale across IonQ’s QI platforms, building upon recent achievements like 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity. “This acquisition expands IonQ’s software capabilities as we build the world’s only enterprise grade, full-stack quantum platform,” said Frank Backes, President, IonQ Quantum Infrastructure, signaling a commitment to a comprehensive quantum ecosystem.
IonQ Acquires Seed Innovations for Quantum Infrastructure Expansion
IonQ, a frontrunner in the quantum computing arena, is bolstering its infrastructure capabilities with the acquisition of Colorado-based software and R&D firm, Seed Innovations. The definitive agreement, announced January 28, 2026, signals a strategic move to integrate specialized expertise directly into IonQ’s Quantum Infrastructure team. Seed Innovations, founded in 2013, has cultivated a strong track record serving both government entities – including the Department of War and the Intelligence Community – and commercial clients with full-lifecycle software development and legacy system modernization.
This isn’t merely a software purchase; Seed Innovations brings critical skills in machine learning (ML), advanced software architecture, and cloud migration—areas vital for scaling quantum workloads. The integration will specifically target performance optimization across IonQ’s QI platforms, aiming to deliver enterprise-ready quantum solutions. Seed’s team, including software architects, developers, and machine learning PhDs, will be instrumental in developing AI-driven software layers essential for managing increasingly complex quantum systems. The acquisition aligns with IonQ’s broader ambition to establish a comprehensive, full-stack quantum platform encompassing compute, networking, sensing, and security.
Seed Innovations is the latest addition to a growing portfolio of strategic acquisitions, including Skyloom, Vector Atomic, and others. “Seed Innovations’ expertise in machine learning and automated scaling architecture will be instrumental in optimizing performance across our quantum applications,” Backes added. IonQ anticipates the transaction will finalize on January 30, 2026, further solidifying its position at the forefront of quantum technological advancement.
Seed Innovations’ Expertise in Machine Learning and Cloud Architecture
Seed Innovations’ expertise in machine learning (ML) and cloud architecture is poised to significantly enhance IonQ’s quantum capabilities, extending beyond mere hardware advancements. This isn’t simply about adding another company; Seed Innovations brings a dedicated team of software architects, developers, Site Reliability Engineers (SREs), and PhD-level machine learning specialists. Their skillset focuses on full-lifecycle software development, legacy system upgrades, and crucial research and development. Seed’s core competencies directly address a critical need within the rapidly evolving quantum landscape: scaling complex workloads.
IonQ plans to deploy Seed’s expertise to accelerate the development of AI-driven software layers, essential for managing and expanding the reach of its QI platforms. The firm’s certifications, including Scaled Agile Framework, SCRUM, and AWS, demonstrate a commitment to rigorous software engineering practices. Furthermore, Seed Innovations’ capabilities extend to cloud migration, a vital step in making quantum resources accessible to a wider user base. Seed Innovations joins a growing list of strategic acquisitions, solidifying IonQ’s position as a leader in the quantum technology space. The transaction is expected to close on January 30, 2026.
99% Two-Qubit Gate Fidelity Achieved by IonQ Systems
IonQ has demonstrably pushed the boundaries of quantum computing performance, achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025 – a new world record. This milestone signifies a substantial leap toward fault-tolerant quantum computation, where errors are minimized to unlock the technology’s full potential. The company, headquartered in College Park, Maryland, currently employs over 1,300 people across 11 countries, including operations in Europe and Asia, showcasing a global commitment to quantum innovation. This level of precision is critical because two-qubit gates, operations manipulating pairs of qubits, are fundamental to all quantum algorithms.
The achievement comes as IonQ prepares to release its newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, building on a lineage of systems already delivering demonstrable results for partners like Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA. These systems have reportedly achieved “20x performance results,” accelerating progress in fields ranging from drug discovery to financial modeling. Beyond computation, IonQ’s broader vision encompasses quantum networking, sensing, and security, positioning the company as a key player in the emerging quantum landscape. The company is actively expanding its reach, with a recently announced agreement to acquire U.S. Semiconductor manufacturer SkyWater Technology, and adding Seed Innovations to a portfolio including Skyloom, Vector Atomic, and others.
In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.
