IonQ, South Carolina Quantum to advance quantum ecosystem in SC

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College Park-based quantum computing firm IonQ Tuesday signed an agreement with South Carolina Quantum to provide world-class quantum computing capabilities and professional services to SC Quantum partners, including academic institutions.

As part of the agreement, IonQ and SC Quantum will partner to develop quantum-specific academic coursework for training future members of the quantum economy. SC Quantum will also partner with IonQ to accelerate the introduction of quantum technologies within enterprises, startups, and industries across South Carolina.

With Tuesday’s announcement, SC Quantum becomes the latest U.S. state effort to partner with IonQ, joining other states such as Maryland and Washington in recognizing the need for quantum skill sets across business, government, and academia.

In 2023, South Carolina earmarked millions for SC Quantum to develop a quantum-focused workforce and build quantum-smart technologies in the state.

The announcement is the latest in a series of regional and international developments for IonQ. This year, IonQ announced the opening of the first dedicated quantum manufacturing facility in the U.S., located in Seattle. In 2023, IonQ and the University of Maryland announced the grand opening of the National Quantum Laboratory to provide people with access to the world’s most powerful quantum computers.

IonQ also announced an international partnership with QuantumBasel in Switzerland to establish a European quantum data center, in addition to signing Memorandum of Understandings with significant South Korean universities and institutions – South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Sungkyunkwan University and Seoul National University’s Center for Quantum Information Science Education.