IonQ Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) saw its stock climb 1.9% in premarket trading Wednesday following the announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire Vector Atomic, a specialist in quantum sensing for positioning, navigation, and timing applications.
The all-stock deal is expected to accelerate IonQ’s expansion into the quantum sensing sector while enhancing its full-stack quantum platform. Vector Atomic brings a suite of high-performance clocks, synchronization hardware, gravimeters, and inertial sensors, along with over $200 million in government contracts.
“This acquisition marks a significant acceleration and expansion opportunity for IonQ as we continue to lead the commercialization of quantum technologies,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “Integrating Vector Atomic’s sensing capabilities across our compute, networking, and space portfolios will advance our mission to provide scalable, commercial-grade quantum solutions for our customers today.”
The transaction will add all 76 Vector Atomic employees to IonQ’s team, strengthening the company’s quantum talent base. Vector Atomic’s technologies are already in use for national security programs, including a contract for the U.S. Department of Defense’s classified X-37B orbital test vehicle.
This acquisition follows a series of strategic purchases by IonQ, including Qubitekk, Lightsynq Technologies, Capella Space, ID Quantique, and Oxford Ionics, as the company continues to expand its quantum technology capabilities and intellectual property portfolio.
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