IonQ to Acquire Geneva-Based ID Quantique, Enters Into Global Quantum Strategic Partnership with SK Telecom
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in ID Quantique (IDQ), a Swiss-based global leader in quantum safe networking and sensing. The transaction, paid in IonQ common stock, includes IDQ's team, products, and nearly 300 quantum networking patents, bringing IonQ's total patent portfolio to approximately 900 worldwide.
Alongside the acquisition, IonQ will enter a strategic quantum partnership with SK Telecom, South Korea's largest wireless telecommunications operator. IDQ brings over 20 years of experience in quantum networking products, including quantum key distribution, random generators, and detection systems. The company has deployed quantum-safe networks globally, including projects in Singapore, South Korea, and Europe.
This acquisition follows IonQ's recent $54.5 million and $21.1 million contracts with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab for quantum networking technology development. According to McKinsey, the quantum networking market is projected to reach $10-15 billion by 2035. The transaction is expected to close within nine months, subject to customary conditions.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) ha annunciato un accordo definitivo per acquisire una partecipazione di controllo in ID Quantique (IDQ), un leader globale con sede in Svizzera nella rete e nel sensing quantistico sicuro. La transazione, pagata in azioni ordinarie di IonQ, include il team di IDQ, i prodotti e quasi 300 brevetti sulla rete quantistica, portando il portafoglio totale di brevetti di IonQ a circa 900 a livello mondiale.
Insieme all'acquisizione, IonQ entrerà in una partnership strategica quantistica con SK Telecom, il più grande operatore di telecomunicazioni wireless della Corea del Sud. IDQ porta oltre 20 anni di esperienza nei prodotti di rete quantistica, inclusa la distribuzione di chiavi quantistiche, generatori casuali e sistemi di rilevamento. L'azienda ha implementato reti sicure quantisticamente a livello globale, inclusi progetti a Singapore, Corea del Sud ed Europa.
Questa acquisizione segue i recenti contratti di IonQ per 54,5 milioni di dollari e 21,1 milioni di dollari con il Laboratorio di Ricerca dell'Air Force degli Stati Uniti per lo sviluppo della tecnologia di rete quantistica. Secondo McKinsey, il mercato delle reti quantistiche è previsto raggiungere i 10-15 miliardi di dollari entro il 2035. Si prevede che la transazione si concluda entro nove mesi, soggetta a condizioni consuete.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) ha anunciado un acuerdo definitivo para adquirir una participación de control en ID Quantique (IDQ), un líder global con sede en Suiza en redes y sensores cuánticos seguros. La transacción, pagada en acciones comunes de IonQ, incluye el equipo de IDQ, productos y casi 300 patentes de redes cuánticas, llevando el portafolio total de patentes de IonQ a aproximadamente 900 en todo el mundo.
Junto con la adquisición, IonQ entrará en una asociación cuántica estratégica con SK Telecom, el mayor operador de telecomunicaciones inalámbricas de Corea del Sur. IDQ aporta más de 20 años de experiencia en productos de redes cuánticas, incluidos la distribución de claves cuánticas, generadores aleatorios y sistemas de detección. La empresa ha desplegado redes seguras cuánticamente a nivel global, incluidos proyectos en Singapur, Corea del Sur y Europa.
Esta adquisición sigue a los recientes contratos de IonQ por 54,5 millones de dólares y 21,1 millones de dólares con el Laboratorio de Investigación de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. para el desarrollo de tecnología de redes cuánticas. Según McKinsey, se proyecta que el mercado de redes cuánticas alcance entre 10 y 15 mil millones de dólares para 2035. Se espera que la transacción se cierre en un plazo de nueve meses, sujeta a condiciones habituales.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ)는 스위스에 본사를 둔 양자 안전 네트워킹 및 센싱의 글로벌 리더인 ID Quantique (IDQ)의 지배 지분을 인수하기 위한 확정 계약을 발표했습니다. IonQ의 보통주로 지급되는 이번 거래에는 IDQ 팀, 제품 및 거의 300개의 양자 네트워킹 특허가 포함되어 있으며, IonQ의 총 특허 포트폴리오는 전 세계적으로 약 900개에 이릅니다.
인수와 함께 IonQ는 한국 최대의 무선 통신 사업자인 SK Telecom와 전략적 양자 파트너십을 체결할 예정입니다. IDQ는 양자 키 분배, 난수 생성기 및 감지 시스템을 포함한 양자 네트워킹 제품에서 20년 이상의 경험을 보유하고 있습니다. 이 회사는 싱가포르, 한국 및 유럽을 포함한 전 세계적으로 양자 안전 네트워크를 배포했습니다.
이번 인수는 IonQ가 미 공군 연구소와 양자 네트워킹 기술 개발을 위한 5450만 달러 및 2110만 달러 계약을 체결한 이후 이루어졌습니다. 맥킨지에 따르면, 양자 네트워킹 시장은 2035년까지 100억에서 150억 달러에 이를 것으로 예상됩니다. 이 거래는 관례적인 조건에 따라 9개월 이내에 마무리될 것으로 보입니다.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) a annoncé un accord définitif pour acquérir une participation de contrôle dans ID Quantique (IDQ), un leader mondial basé en Suisse dans le domaine des réseaux et de la détection quantiques sécurisés. La transaction, réglée en actions ordinaires d'IonQ, comprend l'équipe d'IDQ, ses produits et près de 300 brevets sur les réseaux quantiques, portant le portefeuille total de brevets d'IonQ à environ 900 dans le monde.
Parallèlement à l'acquisition, IonQ entrera dans un partenariat stratégique quantique avec SK Telecom, le plus grand opérateur de télécommunications sans fil de Corée du Sud. IDQ apporte plus de 20 ans d'expérience dans les produits de réseaux quantiques, y compris la distribution de clés quantiques, les générateurs aléatoires et les systèmes de détection. L'entreprise a déployé des réseaux quantiques sécurisés à l'échelle mondiale, y compris des projets à Singapour, en Corée du Sud et en Europe.
Cette acquisition fait suite aux récents contrats d'IonQ d'un montant de 54,5 millions de dollars et 21,1 millions de dollars avec le laboratoire de recherche de l'Air Force des États-Unis pour le développement de technologies de réseaux quantiques. Selon McKinsey, le marché des réseaux quantiques devrait atteindre entre 10 et 15 milliards de dollars d'ici 2035. La transaction devrait être finalisée dans un délai de neuf mois, sous réserve des conditions habituelles.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) hat eine endgültige Vereinbarung zur Übernahme einer Mehrheitsbeteiligung an ID Quantique (IDQ), einem weltweit führenden Unternehmen mit Sitz in der Schweiz für quantensichere Netzwerke und Sensorik, bekannt gegeben. Die Transaktion, die in IonQ-Stammaktien bezahlt wird, umfasst das Team von IDQ, Produkte und nahezu 300 Patente für quantenbasierte Netzwerke, wodurch IonQs Gesamtpatentportfolio auf etwa 900 weltweit ansteigt.
Zusammen mit der Übernahme wird IonQ eine strategische Partnerschaft im Bereich Quanten mit SK Telecom, dem größten Anbieter von drahtlosen Telekommunikationsdiensten in Südkorea, eingehen. IDQ bringt über 20 Jahre Erfahrung in quantenbasierten Netzwerkprodukten mit, darunter die Verteilung quantenbasierter Schlüssel, Zufallszahlengeneratoren und Erkennungssysteme. Das Unternehmen hat quantensichere Netzwerke weltweit implementiert, einschließlich Projekten in Singapur, Südkorea und Europa.
Diese Übernahme folgt auf die kürzlichen Verträge von IonQ über 54,5 Millionen Dollar und 21,1 Millionen Dollar mit dem Forschungszentrum der US-Luftwaffe zur Entwicklung von Quanten-Netzwerktechnologien. Laut McKinsey wird der Markt für quantenbasierte Netzwerke bis 2035 voraussichtlich 10 bis 15 Milliarden Dollar erreichen. Die Transaktion wird voraussichtlich innerhalb von neun Monaten abgeschlossen, vorbehaltlich üblicher Bedingungen.
- Strategic acquisition adds IDQ's quantum networking expertise and products to IonQ portfolio
- Expands patent portfolio by 300, reaching 900 total patents
- Partnership with SK Telecom enhances distribution in Asian markets
- Strengthens position in growing quantum networking market ($10-15B by 2035)
- Builds on recent $75.6M in U.S. government contracts
- Transaction paid in IonQ common stock may lead to shareholder dilution
- 9-month closing period creates execution uncertainty
- Integration risks with international acquisition
Insights
IonQ's acquisition of ID Quantique marks a strategic pivot beyond quantum computing into quantum networking, potentially transforming the company from a pure-play quantum computer manufacturer into an integrated quantum technology provider. This all-stock transaction (though financial details weren't disclosed) brings significant assets to IonQ:
1. Intellectual property dominance: The addition of IDQ's nearly 300 patents brings IonQ's total quantum patent portfolio to approximately 900 - creating a formidable barrier to entry in a nascent industry where IP will be important for capturing market share.
2. Vertical integration: By combining quantum computing with networking capabilities, IonQ can now offer end-to-end quantum solutions - particularly important as distributed quantum computing (connecting multiple quantum processors) becomes essential for scaling beyond the limitations of single quantum computers.
3. Market expansion: The McKinsey-estimated
4. Strategic partnerships: The SK Telecom relationship provides access to Asia's advanced telecommunications infrastructure and enterprise customers - important for commercial deployment of quantum networks.
The acquisition addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing: scalability. Rather than solely pursuing higher qubit counts within single processors, IonQ is building the infrastructure to network multiple quantum computers together - potentially a more practical path to quantum advantage.
For investors, this represents a significant strategic bet that could accelerate revenue generation before fully fault-tolerant quantum computers arrive. However, the all-stock transaction structure likely means dilution for current shareholders, and integration challenges remain a risk factor to monitor closely.
IonQ's acquisition of ID Quantique represents a crucial technological convergence of quantum computing and quantum networking that addresses fundamental scaling limitations in quantum computing. While competitors focus primarily on increasing qubit counts within single processors (facing significant coherence and error correction challenges), IonQ is pursuing a distributed architecture strategy:
1. Distributed quantum computing architecture: By networking multiple smaller quantum processors together through photonic interconnects, IonQ can potentially achieve quantum advantage sooner than waiting for single-processor breakthroughs. IDQ's single-photon detectors are precisely the technology needed to enable these quantum interconnects.
2. Complementary technologies: IonQ's trapped-ion approach to quantum computing is inherently compatible with photonic networking - ions emit photons that can carry quantum information between processors. This creates technological synergy that silicon-based quantum computing approaches lack.
3. Standards leadership: With nearly 900 combined patents, IonQ is positioned to influence emerging quantum networking standards and protocols - potentially creating a technological moat as the industry develops.
4. Dual commercialization paths: Quantum networking applications (particularly in secure communications) will likely reach commercial viability before fault-tolerant quantum computing. This acquisition gives IonQ near-term revenue opportunities while its computing technology matures.
The SK Telecom partnership provides access to real-world telecommunications infrastructure for testing and deploying quantum networks. South Korea's dense urban environments and advanced telecommunications infrastructure make it an ideal testbed for quantum networking technologies.
Technical challenges remain significant - maintaining quantum coherence across networks, minimizing photon loss over distance, and developing practical quantum repeaters. However, IDQ's demonstrated deployments (including an 800km network in South Korea) suggest these challenges are being systematically addressed.
This acquisition effectively transforms IonQ from a quantum computing company to a full-stack quantum technology provider, potentially accelerating their timeline to commercial quantum advantage through a distributed systems approach.
ID Quantique’s renowned team, technology, and products to join IonQ portfolio
With addition of nearly 300 quantum networking patents from ID Quantique; issued and pending quantum patents IonQ controls will total more than 900 worldwide
SK Telecom and IonQ enter into Memorandum of Understanding for strategic partnership
Acquisition furthers IonQ’s leading position in the global quantum networking market
The transaction consideration will be paid in IonQ common stock.
As part of the transaction, once closed, IonQ will bring IDQ’s team, pioneering products, and growing book of quantum networking business into its global quantum ecosystem. In addition, IDQ’s patent portfolio of nearly 300 patents and patent applications will bring the total count of granted and pending patents that IonQ owns or controls to nearly 900.
“This strategic transaction and the expertise of ID Quantique furthers IonQ’s role as a global leader in next generation secure communications,” said Peter Chapman, Executive Chair of IonQ. “And once finalized, we expect that our intended strategic partnership with SK Telecom, one of the most powerful technology companies in
SK Telecom has a pioneering history in quantum networking, having deployed the largest quantum network in
"Quantum technology is not an option but an essential element for the advancement of AI," said Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, who further explained the reason for the strategic partnership with IonQ by stating, "SKT will continue to make proactive investments and collaborations to become a leading company in the AI field."
With more than 20 years of experience, IDQ offers a broad range of products across quantum networking and quantum-safe communication, including quantum key distribution, quantum random generators and quantum detection systems, key pillars of the quantum industry. IDQ has been deploying quantum-safe networks around the world. Recent examples are the implementation of the Nationwide Quantum Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) in
“ID Quantique is excited to be joining the IonQ portfolio, to continue its journey providing quantum networking technology worldwide,” said Grégoire Ribordy, Co-Founder and CEO of IDQ. “IonQ has been a pioneer in the quantum industry, developing powerful computing systems combined with dedication to quantum networking–vital infrastructure underpinning the entire global economy. We have long admired IonQ’s work, and know that the combination of IDQ and IonQ will be powerful, accretive, and impactful worldwide.”
IonQ and IDQ believe quantum networks will be fundamental infrastructure in the future, with uses in many important sectors, especially defense, finance, and energy. The technology allows many nodes to communicate using entangled qubits, resulting in highly secure communications, precise timing, distributed quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
IonQ has long recognized that quantum networking is a key strategy to scale its quantum computers. IonQ's architecture intends to use photonic interconnects to create a more powerful computing cluster by networking multiple quantum computers together. The years IonQ has spent developing this technology for its distributed computing efforts have allowed it to move quickly in advancing its quantum networking offerings.
IonQ anticipates closing the acquisition in the next nine months, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
IonQ’s transaction with IDQ directly follows a series of recent announcements from IonQ in the quantum networking space. Last month, IonQ announced the consummation of its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Qubitekk, Inc., a quantum networking leader in the
IonQ has also demonstrated growing momentum in
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Quantum communication growth drivers: Cybersecurity and quantum computing”, McKinsey, 2/21/25 |
Advisors
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati served as lead transaction counsel to IonQ and Homburger AG served as Swiss counsel to IonQ. ArentFox Schiff also served as legal counsel to IonQ.
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
About ID Quantique
Founded in 2001, ID Quantique is the world leader in quantum-safe crypto solutions, designed to protect data for the future. The company designs and commercializes quantum random number generators, quantum-safe network solutions based on quantum key distribution solutions, and services to enterprises and government organizations globally. IDQ also provides quantum detection systems, which help customers to solve complex scientific and industrial problems. Its products are used by governments, enterprises, and industrial customers and by academic research labs in more than 60 countries and on every continent. For more information, please visit www.idquantique.com.
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.
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 terms “accelerate,“advance,” “aim,” “believe,” “benefit,” “collaboration,” “design,” “enable,” “exceed,” “expect,” “expected to,” “intend,” “next-generation,” “will,” “would,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the anticipated closing of the transaction, the acquisition of IDQ customer contracts, IonQ’s expansion in the quantum networking market, the expectation that the IDQ acquisition will contribute to IonQ’s near-term bookings and revenue, the expected association of IDQ employees; the expansion of IonQ’s expertise, capabilities and technologies, IDQ personnel joining IonQ, and IonQ’s market position. 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: the conditions for closing the transaction not being met; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ’s inability to enter new markets and exploit new technologies; IonQ’s ability to deliver on IDQ customer contracts; IonQ’s inability to hire and maintain the services of IDQ personnel; IonQ’s ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; any disruptions and other problems with our facilities, operations including research and development, or test systems; any inadequacies in the overall pace of technology development in the quantum industry, including inadequate advances in the state of quantum networking and quantum systems; IonQ’s and the industry’s reliance on continued investment by the public and private sectors in developing quantum networks and systems; development of the quantum industry in ways that don’t require IonQ quantum systems or networks; IonQ’s relatively limited history in development quantum networks; IonQ’s failure to achieve quantum advantage; the capability of our quantum systems and quantum networks to provide transformative applications and quantum advantage; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ, its assets or the quantum sector generally; IonQ’s ability to implement its technical roadmap; and IonQ’s ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology. 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 most recent filings and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226779474/en/
IonQ Media contact:
Jane Mazur
press@ionq.com
IonQ Investor contact:
investors@ionq.com
Source: IonQ
FAQ
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