US quantum computing firm IonQ is set to acquire quantum networking startup Qubitekk for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 2013, Vista, California-based Qubitekk designs, builds, and integrates the hardware and software for quantum networks.
IonQ said it expects the deal to be finalized within the next six months, subject to regulatory and closing conditions. It represents the second acquisition for IonQ in as many years, following the company’s purchase of Canadian quantum startup Entangled Networks in January 2023.
“Our acquisition of Qubitekk will mark a significant step in IonQ’s expansion into the quantum networking market, where IonQ will be a clear leader in both quantum networking and quantum computing,” said Peter Chapman, president and CEO of IonQ. “The combination of Qubitekk and IonQ will allow us to continue our momentum in quantum networking. Quantum networking and quantum computing are highly synergistic for IonQ.”
Perhaps alluding to the $52.5 million loss IonQ posted for Q3 2024, Chapman added: “I expect that the quantum networking part of IonQ could be the first division to be cash flow positive.”
Stan Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Qubitekk added: “We have admired IonQ as the pioneering quantum company, with powerful computing systems and a demonstrated commitment to quantum networking as critical infrastructure. Uniting Qubitekk with IonQ will allow us to pursue the quantum-enabled internet as a near-term reality.”
IonQ partners with Ansys and NKT Photonics
Separately this week, IonQ also announced it was partnering with Ansys to integrate quantum computing with computer-aided engineering (CAE).
The agreement will see IonQ use Ansys simulation solutions to design its next-generation quantum computers and quantum networks, whilst also providing Ansys users with access to IonQ’s quantum computers to improve product development processes.
Commenting on the news, Prith Banerjee, Ansys CTO, said: “Our goal is to enable every Ansys customer to seamlessly access the power of quantum computing to accelerate innovation and get their products to market sooner. We believe that quantum computing holds tremendous benefit for the CAE market, and IonQ’s technology excels at offering solutions to complex simulation challenges that were previously out of reach for classical computers.”
Ansys, an engineering and product design software firm headquartered in Pennsylvania, was acquired by Synopsys in January 2024. The UK's CMA opened an investigation into the acquisition in August.
This week also saw IonQ partner with NKT Photonics, a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics, to procure next-generation laser systems for IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computers and networking equipment. The partnership involves NKT Photonics developing and delivering three prototype optical subsystems to IonQ in 2025.
“We look forward to partnering with IonQ and supplying them with our unique laser solutions to advance the quantum computing frontier. Today’s announcement extends NKT Photonics’ long history of delivering industry-leading optical solutions for innovators," said Basil Garabet, President and CEO of NKT Photonics which supplies high-performance fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers.
