Lightsynq has developed the industry’s first quantum repeater to extend the range of quantum networks and link quantum processors.
Quantum computing and networking company IonQ has acquired quantum interconnect startup Lightsynq Technologies.
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the acquisition will see IonQ take possession of Lightsynq’s IP, including the startup’s portfolio of more than 20 patents and patent applications.
Spun out of Harvard University and founded in 2024 by former AWS researchers Dr Mihir Bhaskar (CEO), Dr Bart Machielse (CTO), and Dr David Levonian (CPO), Lightsynq has developed the industry’s first quantum repeater to extend the range of quantum networks and link quantum processors.
In late 2024, Lightsynq secured $18 million in a Series A funding round, led by former Harvard and Amazon quantum networking experts.
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In a statement, IonQ said the architecture developed by Lightsynq will provide “a powerful platform to support IonQ’s quantum computers” and advance the company’s quantum networking roadmap.
“IonQ’s vision has always been to scale our quantum networks through quantum repeaters, and scale our quantum compute power through photonic interconnects. Today’s announcement of our intention to acquire Lightsynq helps accelerate both roadmaps,” said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ.
“[Lightsynq’s] groundbreaking technology will accelerate IonQ’s commercial quantum computer delivery to 10,000s and ultimately millions of qubits.”
The news of the acquisition comes in the same week that IonQ announced it had partnered with EPB of Chattanooga for a $22m quantum computing centre in Tennessee.
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