On October 27, IonQ announced it has received $7.5 million in follow-on funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The Phase 2 contract expands upon the first-generation quantum network IonQ previously delivered in Rome, New York. The collaboration explores key optical, hardware, and software layers to turn the deployment into an operational, interoperable research platform.
Phase 1 established the core physical network foundation. Phase 2 equips AFRL with additional capabilities needed to connect different types of quantum hardware across non-laboratory environments. Classical routers and fiber-optic cables allow different computers to share data across the internet. Similarly, these new full-stack enhancements allow connectivity of distinct quantum systems and route quantum communication over standard telecommunications infrastructure and open air.
“This follow-on funding from AFRL underscores the strength of our long-term partnership and validates IonQ’s full-stack approach. We are unlocking new domains for quantum networking by going to free space optics,” said Jordan Shapiro, IonQ president, quantum platform. “Advanced optical hardware and automated control software are what close the gap between laboratory demonstration and field deployment. We are building quantum networking that runs on standard telecom infrastructure and through open air, and proving it on a live network.”
Together, these enhancements support AFRL’s broader roadmap for heterogeneous quantum networking, offering a practical and deployable model for future defense communications, enterprise infrastructure, and multi-node quantum networks.
Source: IonQ
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