IonQ Selected by DARPA for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to Advance Quantum Computing

Rhea-AI Summary

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has been selected for the first stage of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a program aimed at assessing the development of industrially useful quantum computers. The initiative is structured in three stages, with Stage A focusing on defining technical concepts for utility-scale quantum computing.

As a participant, IonQ will help establish industry standards and define quantum computer utility-scale performance metrics. The company's selection is supported by its commercial deployment of Forte and Forte Enterprise quantum computers across logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals, and AI applications.

Following successful completion of Stage A, selected companies will proceed to Stage B to develop detailed R&D roadmaps through 2033, and finally to Stage C for real-world implementation validation. This announcement follows IonQ's recent achievements, including the commissioning of a quantum networking system at the U.S. Air Force Research Lab and the delivery of IonQ Forte Enterprise to its first European Innovation Center with QuantumBasel.

Positive

• Selected for DARPA's prestigious Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
• Commercial deployment of quantum computers across multiple industries
• Successful installation at U.S. Air Force Research Lab
• Expansion into European market with QuantumBasel partnership

Negative

• None.

Insights

Government Contracts Analyst

IonQ's selection for DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative represents a significant strategic win that positions the company at the forefront of defining quantum computing standards. This is more valuable than might appear at first glance.

Being chosen for Stage A of this three-stage program puts IonQ in an elite position to help establish the technical definitions and benchmarks that will shape the entire quantum computing industry. While immediate financial impact isn't quantified, the long-term strategic value is substantial - companies that help define standards often gain lasting competitive advantages as markets mature.

What distinguishes this from typical government contracts is DARPA's reputation as the agency behind transformative technologies like the internet and GPS. Their selection signals confidence in IonQ's technology approach and validates their commercial progress.

The program's structure through 2033 indicates this is a long-term strategic partnership. If IonQ advances to stages B and C, it would unlock significant opportunities to develop systems meeting DARPA's requirements, potentially leading to substantial contracts.

This announcement complements IonQ's existing government relationships, including their recent quantum networking system at the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, establishing a pattern of public sector validation that differentiates them in the quantum computing market.

Technology Strategist

IonQ's participation in DARPA's QBI program represents a critical competitive advantage in the quantum computing ecosystem. What makes this particularly valuable is the emphasis on "utility-scale performance" - focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical capabilities.

The article highlights IonQ's commercial deployments across logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals, and AI - demonstrating they've already bridged the gap between quantum theory and practical implementation. This real-world experience makes their input particularly valuable for establishing meaningful industry benchmarks.

The competitive significance comes from two dimensions: First, being involved in defining standards creates a form of technological influence that can shape market development in ways that favor IonQ's approach. Second, the DARPA relationship provides unparalleled access to cutting-edge use cases and technical requirements that will inform IonQ's product roadmap.

CEO de Masi's statement contrasting IonQ's focus on "solving customers' real-world problems today" against competitors focused on "theoretical milestones" reveals their strategic positioning. The company is leveraging their existing commercial deployments as proof points for why they should help define quantum computing's future.

Their technical achievements in areas like high-speed, mixed-species quantum logic gates further demonstrates IonQ's continued innovation parallel to their commercial deployment strategy.

With demonstrated quantum capabilities and real-world applications, IonQ will help inform industry standards that will shape the future of quantum computing.

COLLEGE PARK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, today announced that it has been selected for the first stage of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). This program is designed to assess and validate the feasibility of developing industrially useful quantum computers ahead of conventional projections. With a demonstrated track record of innovation and real-world quantum applications, IonQ will help inform industry standards.

As a participant in the first stage of DARPA’s QBI, IonQ will play a critical role in defining what it means for a quantum computer to achieve utility-scale performance - which will be defined through DARPA’s review of use cases and problem sets that require large scale machines – while continuing to advance its own enterprise-grade quantum computing technologies. With commercial deployments of IonQ’s Forte and Forte Enterprise quantum computers worldwide showcasing industry applications in logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence, IonQ is uniquely positioned to contribute practical insights and technical advancements to this initiative.

QBI is structured into three stages. This first stage, Stage A, focuses on defining the technical concept for a utility-scale quantum computer. Companies that successfully complete this initial stage proceed to the second stage, Stage B, which is dedicated to developing a detailed research and development roadmap through 2033 with selected companies, including technical requirements and designs. The final stage, Stage C, companies selected will seek to confirm that the proposed system can be built and operated as intended for real-world implementation.

“We are honored to be chosen for the first stage of this program under DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative,” said Niccolo de Masi, President & CEO of IonQ. “While many companies in the quantum computing industry are focused on theoretical milestones, IonQ is focused on solving customers’ real-world problems today. Our participation in QBI allows us to both define the future of quantum computing and continue delivering commercially available quantum technologies now. We look forward to working closely with DARPA to push the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum technology.”

As quantum computing adoption accelerates across industries, IonQ remains dedicated to making its quantum technologies more accessible, impactful and commercially viable. This announcement follows IonQ’s recent commissioning of a quantum networking system at the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, delivery and commissioning of the IonQ Forte Enterprise to its first European Innovation Center in partnership with QuantumBasel exceeding expected performance levels, and important technical milestones including its recent achievement in developing methods for faster gate speeds using high-speed, mixed-species quantum logic gates.

For more information about IonQ, please visit www.ionq.com.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In’s 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words “accelerates,” “accessible,” "achieve," “advance,” “advancements,” “ahead,” “aimed,” “assess,” “available,” “commissioning,” “continue,” “continuing,” “contribute,” “cutting-edge,” “dedicated,” “define,” “defining,” “delivering,” “delivery,” “designed,” “developing,” “exceeding,” “feasibility,” “focused,” “growth,” “help,” “impactful,” “important,” “inform,” “innovative,” “latest,” “leader,” “making,” “play,” “possible,” “push,” “showcasing,” “solving,” “useful,” “validate,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to IonQ’s quantum computing capabilities and plans; the relevance and utility of quantum algorithms and computers to industry; the necessity, effectiveness, and future impacts of IonQ’s offerings available today; and the scalability, fidelity, reliability, efficiency, effectiveness, speed, impact, practicality, viability, importance, performance, accessibility, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ’s quantum computing offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; changes in U.S. government spending or policy that may affect IonQ’s customers; and risks associated with U.S. government sales, including availability of funding and provisions that allow the government to unilaterally terminate or modify contracts for convenience; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ’s patents; IonQ’s ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology, including with sufficient breadth to provide a competitive advantage; IonQ’s ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations; IonQ’s customers deciding or declining to extend contracts into new phases; and IonQ’s ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of IonQ’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402604044/en/

IonQ Media contact:

Jan Mazur

jane.mazur@ionq.co

IonQ Investor Contact:

investors@ionq.co

Source: IonQ

FAQ

What is DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) and how is IONQ involved?

DARPA's QBI is a three-stage program to assess industrial quantum computing development. IONQ has been selected for Stage A to help define technical concepts for utility-scale quantum computers and establish industry standards.

What are the three stages of DARPA's QBI program that IONQ will participate in?

Stage A defines technical concepts for utility-scale quantum computing, Stage B develops R&D roadmaps through 2033, and Stage C validates real-world implementation of proposed systems.

Where is IONQ currently deploying its Forte and Forte Enterprise quantum computers?

IONQ is deploying these systems worldwide across logistics, finance, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence applications, including its first European Innovation Center with QuantumBasel.

What recent achievements has IONQ announced alongside the DARPA selection?

IONQ has commissioned a quantum networking system at the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, delivered IonQ Forte Enterprise to QuantumBasel, and developed methods for faster gate speeds using high-speed, mixed-species quantum logic gates.