IonQ buys Lightsynq, Capella for satellite QKD
Acquisitive quantum pioneer IonQ is planning a satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) service following its acquisition of LightSynq Technologies and Capella Space.
IonQ recently bought the assets of quantum networking firm Qubitekk and ID Quantique in Switzerland that can provide the QKD capability for Capella’s government and commercial customers.
It also has a deal with Intellian Technologies which develops satellite communication antennas and ground gateways. It plans to use long-distance photonic quantum repeaters from Lightsynq combined with Capella’s top-secret signals capabilities to build global quantum-secure networks.
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IonQ will also acquire ownership of Lightsynq’s portfolio of over 20 technology patents and patent applications related to quantum memory, strengthening IonQ’s growing intellectual property position from the ID Quantique and Qubitekk acquisitions.
The deals are expected to close in the second half of 2025 and the CEO of Capella, Frank Backes, will lead IonQ’s quantum-space initiatives.
“We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our vision for the quantum internet, where global Quantum Key Distribution will play a foundational role in enabling secure communications,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “Through our announced acquisitions of Lightsynq and Capella today, and the work we’ll do with Intellian, IonQ is well positioned to lead the next-generation quantum internet.”
“Space is the next frontier for IonQ’s leadership in quantum computing, quantum networking, and ultra-secure environments,” said Frank Backes, CEO of Capella. “Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize space-based operations by enabling ultra-secure communications that transmit data to and from platforms with unmatched security. Capella’s advanced platform and proven constellation will integrate with IonQ’s quantum capabilities to enhance analytics, sensors, and security to bolster commercial applications and global defense and intelligence missions.”
Lightsynq is a Boston-based startup founded by former Harvard University quantum memory experts.
“IonQ’s vision has always been to scale our quantum networks through quantum repeaters, and scale our quantum compute power through photonic interconnects. The announcement of our intention to acquire Lightsynq helps accelerate both roadmaps,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. “Their groundbreaking technology will accelerate IonQ’s commercial quantum computer delivery to 10,000s and ultimately millions of qubits.”
Lightsynq’s approach not only supports modular scalability, but also advances fault-tolerance for creating the world’s most powerful interconnected quantum systems. Lightsynq’s architecture will support IonQ’s quantum computers and the company’s quantum networking roadmap.
“We’re excited to work alongside the world-class quantum computing and networking teams at IonQ. Together we intend to move faster than any other player in the industry to deliver data-center-scale quantum computers that can deliver transformative value to customers,” said CEO of Lightsynq, Dr. Mihir Bhaskar.
“Our photonic interconnect will integrate with IonQ’s quantum processing units (QPUs) to boost connection speeds and ensure long term market-leading scale and power in quantum computing. Our interconnect will also be critical for IonQ to build the quantum internet, enabling entirely new applications for customers in the financial, telecommunications, aerospace, and defense sectors.”
IonQ has currently has two trapped ion quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, with 36 qubits, available in the cloud. It also has a quantum networking contract with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and agreements with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to deploy a quantum networking system at its Rome, New York, facility. IonQ has also signed a $22m partnership with EPB, an energy and communications provider in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to launch the nation’s first quantum computing and networking hub that will include QKD.
www.IonQ.com; www.capella.com; www.lightsynq.com
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