IonQ Selected by DARPA for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to Advance Quantum Computing

IonQ announced that it has been selected for the first stage of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. 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.

Source: IonQ media announcement