IonQ to Acquire U.S. Optical Communications Leader Skyloom Global to Accelerate Worldwide Quantum Networking and Sensing Infrastructure

IonQ announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Skyloom Global, a U.S.-based leader in high-performance optical communications infrastructure that enables secure, high-speed data links across Earth and in orbit.

Founded in 2017, Skyloom has established itself as the leading high-performance provider of Space Development Agency-qualified Optical Communications Terminals for both satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground laser communications. With almost 90 terminals delivered for SDA missions by 2025, Skyloom has already demonstrated scalable production of OCT hardware. Post-close, Skyloom CEO Marc Eisenberg will report to Frank Backes, President of Quantum Infrastructure at IonQ.

“This acquisition marks a pivotal acceleration for IonQ by adding high-bandwidth optical link capabilities to our global quantum platform. These optical links form the backbone for quantum-secure communications and next-generation quantum networking and distributed quantum entanglement infrastructure," said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “Skyloom’s technology expands IonQ’s total addressable market while increasing downlinking speeds for our existing offerings.”

Integrating Skyloom’s optical networking systems into IonQ’s broader infrastructure platform is  expected to unlock immediate performance improvements by boosting data throughput by up to 500% and reducing latency for critical applications from many hours to under one hour. The addition of Skyloom’s terminals also strengthens IonQ’s ability to offer fully integrated quantum networking and distributed quantum entanglement capabilities across space and ground infrastructure.

“Joining IonQ marks a transformative moment for Skyloom that builds on our original mission of unlocking secure space communications,” said Eisenberg. “By combining our OCT technology with IonQ’s quantum capabilities, we’re not just accelerating our roadmap, we’re helping define the architecture for future quantum-secure communications and networking infrastructure.”

The acquisition reflects IonQ’s continued investment in building differentiated, full-stack quantum-secure communications platforms. This deal also follows the company’s recent acquisitions of Qubitekk, Capella Space, Lightsynq and a super-majority stake in ID Quantique, reinforcing IonQ’s position as the only global company building the complete stack from quantum compute and quantum sensing to secure quantum communications. With Skyloom, IonQ now owns all critical technology layers for distributed quantum entanglement and ultra-secure connectivity. 

Source: IonQ media announcement