IonQ to Acquire Skyloom Global for Space-Based Quantum Expansion

Niccolo de Masi/IonQ

Quantum computing firm IonQ has unveiled plans to acquire Skyloom Global, a Colorado-based developer of optical communication systems for space-based quantum networks. 

The acquisition, announced by IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolò de Masi during a Nov. 11 CNBC interview, is supported by $3.5 billion in new funding to accelerate the development of fault-tolerant, quantum-secure infrastructure, Skyloom said Wednesday. 

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What Is IonQ’s Goal With the Skyloom Acquisition?

The move is intended to enhance IonQ’s quantum computing, networking and sensing capabilities while advancing the company’s plan to build a global quantum key distribution platform. The QKD platform will integrate ground and satellite systems and build on recent acquisitions, including Qubitekk, ID Quantique, Capella Space and Vector Atomic, to create a full-stack quantum ecosystem.

“With Skyloom, our Capella business, and ID Quantique, we’re building a platform for quantum key distribution — not just on the ground, but also up into space with satellites,” said de Masi.

How Will the Acquisition Expand Quantum Capabilities?

Skyloom’s space-based optical communication technology, often referred to as a fiberless internet for Earth, combined with IonQ’s existing assets, will support real-time orbital quantum data transport and secure entanglement distribution across the planet.