IonQ’s Strategic Move: Acquiring ID Quantique and Partnering with SK Telecom

College Park, MD & Geneva, Switzerland & Seoul, South Korea – In a bold leap forward for the quantum technology sector, IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in ID Quantique (IDQ), a respected leader in quantum safe networking and sensing. This groundbreaking development comes alongside a strategic partnership with SK Telecom, recognized as the largest wireless telecommunications operator in South Korea.

The acquisition will be executed using IonQ’s common stock as transaction consideration. Once finalized, IonQ plans to integrate IDQ’s talented workforce and innovative product portfolio into its extensive global quantum ecosystem. Notably, IDQ’s impressive collection of nearly 300 patents will significantly enhance IonQ’s intellectual property holdings, bringing their total to approximately 900 patents.

Peter Chapman, Executive Chair of IonQ, expressed enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, “This strategic transaction enriches IonQ’s position as a forefront player in next-generation secure communications.” He added that the prospective partnership with SK Telecom, a powerhouse in the technology sector, is poised to amplify the distribution of IonQ’s quantum technologies, paving the way for diverse commercial and technical opportunities.

SK Telecom’s pioneering efforts in quantum networking include the establishment of South Korea’s largest quantum network. Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, emphasized the necessity of quantum technology for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “SKT will continue to engage in proactive investments and seek collaborations to position itself as a leader in the AI domain,” he noted, reinforcing the strategic significance of their alliance with IonQ.

IDQ brings over two decades of expertise to the table, offering a wide array of products centered around quantum networking and quantum-safe communication. Their portfolio includes technologies such as quantum key distribution, random number generators, and detection systems—critical components in the burgeoning quantum industry. IDQ’s successful deployments include the Nationwide Quantum Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) in Singapore, an expansive 800km network across South Korea, and vital contributions to the European quantum communications infrastructure through EuroQCI.

Grégoire Ribordy, Co-Founder and CEO of IDQ, shared his optimism about the merger, stating, “We are thrilled to join the IonQ family and continue our mission to deliver quantum networking technologies globally. IonQ is a trailblazer in the quantum sector, and we believe that this merger will yield