IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) announced that it has secured a $13.4-million contract to supply the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) with access to its trapped ion systems for quantum computing hardware research and for the development of quantum algorithms and applications.
Quantum computing, systems and applications have the potential to help the U.S. Air Force protect both public and private infrastructure in the United States.
The AFRL-IonQ agreement, which marks IonQ’s latest commercialization milestone, represents a significant public-private partnership to invest in quantum computing.
In 2021, the U.S. House introduced the Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, signaling fresh focus on the need for U.S. investment in quantum–both to protect against quantum-powered attacks from foreign actors and to develop quantum computing strength on the domestic front.
In May 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced directives to support U.S. leadership in quantum computing, and in September, the National Security Administration (NSA) shared guidance on the importance of cybersecurity readiness against would-be adversaries developing quantum systems.
IonQ’s work with the AFRL continues its momentum of commercial and scientific accomplishments, which over the past 12 months alone include research and commercial relationships with Airbus, GE Research (NYSE:GE), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Hyundai and others. The company also recently announced that its industry-leading IonQ Aria system is publicly available on Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Azure Quantum, providing developers, researchers, engineers, and industry leaders from around the world with access to quantum via the cloud.
IONQ shares soared 35 cents, or 7.3%, early Friday to $5.13.
