IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a quantum computing and networking company, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Oxford Ionics, a quantum computing company based in the United Kingdom. Concurrently, IonQ announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vector Atomic, a company specializing in advanced quantum sensors. These two strategic moves are intended to strengthen IonQ’s technology portfolio and accelerate its expansion into quantum sensing.
The acquisition of Oxford Ionics is aimed at accelerating IonQ’s technology roadmap for more powerful and scalable quantum computers, while also supporting the company’s expansion into the UK, Europe, and other global markets. Oxford Ionics brings patented innovations in trapped-ion quantum systems, which IonQ plans to integrate with its quantum systems to develop high-fidelity quantum architectures for both compute and networking. The acquisition also provides IonQ with a UK base of operations for future collaborations.
The acquisition of Vector Atomic is anticipated to accelerate IonQ’s entry into the quantum sensing market. Vector Atomic’s portfolio includes high-performance clocks, gravimeters, and inertial sensors, and it has secured over $200 million in government contracts for national security applications. Its technology is already used in a recent contract for the U.S. Department of Defense’s X-37B orbital test vehicle project. The addition of Vector Atomic’s portfolio of 29 pending and issued patents and its team of 76 employees is intended to strengthen IonQ’s full-stack quantum platform.
These two acquisitions, along with IonQ’s securing of a majority stake in ID Quantique and its acquisitions of Qubitekk, Lightsynq Technologies, and Capella Space, are part of a series of strategic moves to expand IonQ’s capabilities, talent pool, and intellectual property. The deals align with IonQ’s focus on government, defense, and quantum networking applications, and are intended to accelerate the deployment of secure quantum-based navigation, timing, and communications capabilities.
Read the full announcement for the Oxford Ionics acquisition here and the announcement for the Vector Atomic acquisition here.
September 17, 2025
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