Vector Atomic acquisition completes IonQ’s evolution into the most comprehensive quantum technology platform available today
IonQ, the world’s leading quantum company, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Vector Atomic, the leading quantum sensing company based in California. The all-stock transaction significantly expands and rounds out IonQ’s quantum technology platform by adding the world’s most advanced precision atomic clocks, inertial sensors, and synchronization hardware to its industry-leading computing and networking stack.
Vector Atomic brings to IonQ over 75 employees, which include world-class scientists, engineers, and operators with deep experience delivering quantum-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems for space, submarine, and airborne applications. The company’s sensing technology delivers ultra-precise picosecond timing which is capable of delivering 1,000x improvement in GPS accuracy.
Vector Atomic systems are deployable and field-validated from sea-proven gravimetry to, airborne clocks, to space-ready gyros, and offer highly reliable detection through inertial sensors capable of uncovering oil, gas, and rare earth elements. The company’s intellectual property portfolio further bolsters IonQ’s 1,000+ patent portfolio with 29 pending and issued patents and technologies used in programs such as the U.S. Department of Defense’s X‑37B orbital test vehicle.
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“The acquisition of Vector Atomic marks an exciting expansion for IonQ as we advance toward fully integrated quantum systems that deliver real-world impact across multiple industries,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “This acquisition broadens and deepens our full-stack quantum industry leadership by adding world-class, field-deployed sensing capabilities to our existing quantum computing and quantum networking solutions.”
Already a proven national security partner with over $200M in U.S. government contracts, Vector Atomic’s world-renowned sensing and timing portfolio will be integrated into IonQ’s commercial and government offerings, with particular impact on defense and space industries. This addition adds to IonQ’s government-focused initiatives and reinforces the company’s roadmap toward scalable, real-world quantum advantage.
“At Vector Atomic, we’ve focused on developing quantum sensors and clocks that perform in the most demanding environments, from undersea to space,” said Dr. Jamil Abo-Shaeer, CEO and Co-founder of Vector Atomic. “By joining IonQ, we can accelerate that mission, expand into broader markets, and integrate our technologies into systems that redefine what quantum can deliver.” Dr. Abo-Shaeer will remain with IonQ, continuing his pioneering work on quantum sensing technology.
Source: IonQ