+ Bonus + Equity
IonQ sells quantum computing through cloud access and on-site systems that use trapped-ion qubits. Its processors, such as Forte and Tempo, are accessed by customers via cloud platforms or deployed on customer sites, and the company is expanding into quantum networking, quantum key distribution, and sensing through acquisitions and a SkyWater Technology deal. It differentiates itself with trapped-ion technology and by building a broader quantum ecosystem through strategic acquisitions and partnerships to connect devices and services beyond hardware alone. Its goal is to scale commercial quantum computing, grow revenue, and strengthen its cash position to support ongoing expansion and ecosystem development.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
College Park, Maryland
Founded
2015
See people who can refer or advise you
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Biweekly catered lunches
Parental leave
Health, vision, & dental insurance
Flexible time off
401(k) with 5% match
University facilities
Commuter benefits
IonQ announced three placements of its Superion 256 quantum computing system between 21 and 24 September, with South Korea's SDT, NVIDIA's Accelerated Quantum Research Center, and Florida International University. None of the announcements disclosed financial terms. The company's first Superion customer deliveries are scheduled for 2027. NVIDIA's installation is planned for 2027, whilst FIU's system will arrive in late 2027 following completion of an on-campus data centre. Shares closed at $45.48 on 25 September, just 1.4% above the 2025 close of $44.87. Since December, IonQ's forward enterprise value to revenue multiple has fallen from approximately 85 times to 23 times. IonQ's gross margin was 42.1% in 2025 but fell to 30.2% over the twelve months through 30 June, before consolidating results from its SkyWater foundry acquisition.
IonQ announced it will deploy its Superion 256 quantum processor at NVIDIA's Accelerated Quantum Research Center, highlighting integration between quantum and AI infrastructure. The move has drawn attention to competitor Rigetti Computing. Rigetti's investment case centres on early quantum hardware adoption backed by government and research customers. The company generated $13.35 million in annual revenue but remains unprofitable. Analysts note the IonQ-NVIDIA partnership reinforces Rigetti's existing thesis rather than creating new near-term catalysts. Key drivers include CHIPS Act milestone execution and ramping deployments of its Cepheus and Novera systems. Community fair value estimates for Rigetti range widely from below $1 to $40 per share. The company carries a Zacks Rank of 5, reflecting valuation concerns alongside recent share price volatility and insider selling.
Nvidia has selected IonQ's Superion 256 system as the first quantum computer for its Accelerated Quantum Research Centre. The system will connect to Nvidia-powered servers using the NVQLink platform, with IonQ's hardware handling quantum-specific tasks whilst Nvidia's GB200 GPUs manage processing-heavy workloads. The deal lends legitimacy to pure-play quantum computing startup IonQ whilst expanding Nvidia's footprint in quantum computing. Nvidia reported revenue of $178 billion in the first half of fiscal 2027, up 96% year over year, with net income surging 161% to $118 billion. Despite this growth, Nvidia shares rose just 22% over the past year. The company now holds approximately $99 billion in liquidity and maintains a market capitalisation of $5.4 trillion.
IonQ announced the industry's first real-time quantum error decoder, enabling processors to detect, fix, and decode errors whilst continuing operation. The stock rose 4.42% on Wednesday to close at $42.54. Despite the technical breakthrough, shares remain down 43.39% over the past year. The modest market response suggests investors view the development as incremental progress rather than a transformational shift. Quantum computers struggle with qubit decoherence, where errors accumulate faster than correction routines can address them. Continuous background decoding marks a critical step from laboratory demonstrations towards practical computing devices. IonQ trades at 67 times sales with projected 2026 EBITDA losses near $320 million. Rival quantum computing stocks Rigetti and D-Wave Quantum fell 3% and 4% respectively on the same day, suggesting sector rotation rather than broad enthusiasm.
IonQ has signed a contract with Florida International University (FIU) to deliver its Superion 256-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer, marking Florida's first on-premises trapped-ion quantum system. The deployment establishes FIU as IonQ's flagship academic partner in the state. The sixth-generation IonQ system will be installed at FIU's campus in late 2027, following completion of the university's data centre. The quantum computer will provide direct access for FIU's 1,200 faculty members, 56,000 students, and regional industry partners. Research applications are expected to span material science, artificial intelligence, logistics, cybersecurity, healthcare, and power grid management. The partnership aims to advance quantum research, workforce development, and economic growth in the region. FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez said the system positions the university at the forefront of national quantum innovation.