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

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.

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IonQ Media contact:

Jan Mazur

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Source: IonQ