IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is an American company that works on quantum computing. They are based in College Park, Maryland. The company builds special computers called trapped ion quantum computers. These computers use tiny particles to perform calculations in new and powerful ways. IonQ also creates software to help run and improve these quantum circuits, which are important for making the most of quantum computing.

History

IonQ was started in 2015 by professors Christopher Monroe and Jungsang Kim from Duke University, with support from the investment firm New Enterprise Associates.

The company grew from their 25 years of studying quantum information science. Monroe’s work began at the National Institute of Standards and Technology with physicist David Wineland, where he helped create early quantum parts called qubits. Monroe and Kim worked together on projects supported by Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, writing an important paper for Science Magazine.

In 2016, David Moehring joined as chief executive. By 2017, they raised $20 million and began growing their team. In 2019, they began offering their quantum computers to the public through Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

In October 2021, IonQ became a public company and received $636 million. In February 2024, they opened a new research center in Bothell, Washington, calling it the first quantum computing factory in the United States. In 2025, Niccolò de Masi became president and chief executive officer, and later also chairman of the board.

Leadership

Peter Chapman was the Chief Executive Officer of IonQ from May 2019 until February 2025. Before this, he worked at Amazon, managing a large team that helped improve the experience for Amazon Prime customers. He helped guide IonQ as it grew from a small research company into a larger business focused on quantum computing.

Niccolò de Masi became the Chief Executive Officer in February 2025. He has a strong background in physics and has led many technology companies. Under his leadership, IonQ has worked on growing its role in quantum networking and expanding its reach around the world. The company has also formed partnerships with groups in Japan and Tennessee, and is looking at new opportunities for growth.

Acquisitions

In November 2024, IonQ announced plans to buy Qubitekk, a company that works on quantum networking technologies.

In May 2025, IonQ bought a major part of ID Quantique, a firm in Geneva that focuses on secure communication and sensing technologies. Later that year, IonQ bought Oxford Ionics, a British startup, for about $1.1 billion in company stock. They also bought Lightsynq Technologies, a US startup working on special technology for connecting quantum devices. In July 2025, IonQ bought Capella Space, a company that takes pictures from space, to help with future plans for secure communication networks from space. In September 2025, they bought Vector Atomic, a California company that makes sensors for finding locations and telling time. Finally, in January 2026, IonQ agreed to purchase SkyWater Technology for $1.8 billion.

Technology

See also: Trapped ion quantum computer

IonQ builds its technology using a special kind of tiny trap to hold particles called ions. These traps help control the ions for calculations. The company also creates tools and programs to help users work with these quantum computers.

IonQ believes this method has many good points, like being very accurate and easy to grow bigger. However, some think it works slower than other types of quantum computers. IonQ was chosen to take part in an important project led by a government agency to test and improve quantum computing technology.