Quantum
IonQ Receives $7.5 Million from AFRL for Quantum Networking
Publication: The Quantum Insider
Author: Mohib Ur Rehman
Source published: 28/10/2026, 13:00:28 UTC
Briefing created: 29/10/2026, 02:32:14 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 28/10/2026, 13:19:25 UTC.
Briefings
IonQ secured $7.5 million in Phase 2 funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory to upgrade its Rome, New York quantum network. The expansion adds free-space optical links, quantum frequency converters, and automated control software to enable connectivity between different quantum systems over standard telecommunications infrastructure. This follows a $21.1 million initial collaboration announced in January 2025, with Phase 1 establishing the core physical network foundation.
Key points
- IonQ received $7.5 million in Phase 2 funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory to upgrade its Rome, New York quantum network.
- The Phase 2 contract includes free-space optical links, quantum frequency converters, and automated control software to connect quantum systems over standard telecom infrastructure.
Context
IonQ previously delivered a quantum network in Rome, New York in 2025. This funding expands the initial collaboration to support interoperable quantum networks in metropolitan and defense environments by enabling connections between different quantum systems.
Limitations
Evidence is limited to the press release and internal brief; no additional background on AFRL's broader quantum strategy or specific technical specifications of the new hardware is provided.
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