MD’s IonQ to develop quantum computing system under new DOD contract

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College Park-based IonQ Tuesday announced it will design a first-of-its-kind, networked quantum computing system for the Department of Defense through a contract with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS).

Future phases of the project, which have yet to be awarded, include the construction, delivery and maintenance of these systems. Through this project, ARLIS will conduct hands-on research into the cybersecurity of multi-party quantum computation, including blind quantum computing protocols – a process where quantum computers remain ‘blind’ to what information is being processed through them. This effort is funded by an award from the Secretary of the Air Force Concepts, Development, and Management Office.

ARLIS is the Department of Defense’s principal university-affiliated research center (UARC) for intelligence and security, and this contract extends the reach of IonQ technology to yet another U.S. federal agency.

The federal government is focused on shaping the U.S. into an internationally recognized leader in quantum computing. Agencies such as the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) have previously announced deals with IonQ to use the company’s systems for quantum networking research and application development.

Tuesday’s announcement is the latest in a series of federal government investments in projects using IonQ’s systems. Earlier this year, the Department of Energy funded research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to explore how quantum technology can modernize the power grid. In 2023, IonQ announced a $25.5 million deal with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems for quantum networking research and application development. IonQ also works with enterprise customers like Airbus and Hyundai Motor to incorporate quantum solutions into several industries.