August 06, 2024 -- IonQ, a leader in the quantum computing industry, announced today that it has won a contract through a competitive solicitation with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) to design a first-of-its-kind, networked quantum computing system for the Department of Defense (DOD). 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 like 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.

“With the rapid advancement of technologies like quantum and AI, we as a nation must maintain our leadership position in these developing fields while also hardening our security tools against global actors like China and Russia,” said Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.). “I am pleased to have secured $40M to support this project to bring IonQ’s quantum systems to the ARLIS facility, and it’s exciting to see the first phase of this project underway, which will guide the DoD’s strategy for securing the quantum space.”

“Leading the way in emerging technologies like quantum computing is key to the future of our economy and our national security. That’s why I have fought to invest in quantum research and development – like the work being done at the University of Maryland’s ARLIS. Developing this cutting-edge quantum computing system will protect our military and intelligence community as they confront the ever-evolving security challenges our nation faces,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

“Delivering a first-of-its-kind, blind quantum computing system will enable ARLIS to test and validate communications for the DOD,” said Peter Chapman, President and CEO, IonQ. ”Through our collaboration with ARLIS and UMD teams, we look forward to each phase of development, construction, and deployment as we anticipate significant breakthroughs in the development of blind quantum computing protocols.”

Today’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.