IonQ and University of Maryland Expand QLab Collaboration

IonQ and University of Maryland Expand QLab Collaboration to Advance Quantum Networking and Research

$7.5 million agreement advances UMD quantum networking leadership with new quantum memory node

IonQ and the University of Maryland announced a multi-year expansion of their partnership through the National Quantum Laboratory, extending their joint efforts in quantum computing, quantum networking, and workforce development.

This latest agreement, totaling $7.5 million and supported by funding from the State of Maryland’s Capital of Quantum Initiative via the University of Maryland Economic Development Corporation, builds on the strategic partnership first announced in September 2024.

“Our longstanding partnership with the University of Maryland meets the need to accelerate access to advanced quantum computing, quantum networking capabilities, and talent development,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “IonQ’s collaboration with UMD reflects our commitment to Maryland’s ‘Capital of Quantum’ initiative, as we broaden QLab to include quantum networking, hardware upgrades, and deeper collaboration with its researchers.”

“This expanded agreement strengthens the QLab as a premier testbed for quantum networking and computing and deepens opportunities for our faculty and students to work hands-on with industry-leading systems,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “Building on our strong relationship with IonQ through the QLab is critical to advancing discovery, developing talent and reinforcing Maryland’s position as the Capital of Quantum.”

This next step in the ongoing collaboration deepens IonQ’s integration with UMD researchers and students, positioning QLab as a leading testbed for next-generation quantum technologies, including quantum networking and memory systems – specifically, the first deployment of IonQ’s silicon vacancy (SiV)-based quantum memory node. This industry-leading infrastructure will complement existing UMD efforts, such as the Mid-Atlantic Region Quantum Internet (MARQI) network, across multiple areas of quantum technologies.

The four core elements of the expansion are designed to scale research capacity and enable new areas of exploration:

Quantum Memory Node Deployment: The largest component of the agreement supports deployment of a cutting-edge quantum memory node for advanced networking capabilities. This hardware enables UMD to develop, build, and test new applications and use-cases directly on top of IonQ's quantum networking and interconnect platform, accelerating future commercial use.
Increased QLab Compute Access: IonQ will provide additional quantum compute resources, broadening access to IonQ systems to meet rapidly growing demand from UMD researchers and students.
Joint Applications: The collaboration boosts applied research efforts through directed projects, including work on quantum machine learning and holographic error-correcting codes, strengthening ties between IonQ scientists and UMD faculty on near- and mid-term applications.
Advanced Experimental Hardware Upgrades: IonQ and UMD will jointly develop a specialized laser system supporting more advanced quantum algorithms and new experiments in quantum thermodynamics.

The partnership reinforces Maryland’s role as a national hub for quantum innovation by bringing together state investment, academic leadership, and IonQ’s commercial quantum computing and networking technologies. Beyond advancing fundamental and applied research, the collaboration emphasizes hands-on training and workforce readiness, giving students experience with commercial-grade quantum systems and emerging networking architectures.

This work builds on IonQ’s broader collaborations with leading academic, government, and industry partners, including the University of Cambridge, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the University of Chicago, the state of Tennessee and EPB as well as international research institutions advancing quantum networking and applications.

Source: IonQ and the University of Maryland media announcement

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