South Carolina becomes the latest state to accelerate the advancement of quantum computing

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, today announced it has entered a strategic agreement with South Carolina Quantum (SC Quantum) to provide world-class quantum computing capabilities and professional services to SC Quantum partners, including academic institutions. As part of the agreement, IonQ and SC Quantum will partner to develop quantum-specific academic coursework for training future members of the quantum economy. SC Quantum will also partner with IonQ to accelerate the introduction of quantum technologies within enterprises, startups, and industries across South Carolina.

With today's announcement, SC Quantum becomes the latest U.S. state effort to partner with IonQ, joining other states like Maryland and Washington in recognizing the need for quantum skill sets across business, government, and academia. In 2023, South Carolina earmarked millions for SC Quantum to develop a quantum-focused workforce and build quantum-smart technologies in the state.

"SC Quantum's partnership with IonQ establishes a clear path for training and supporting the quantum workforce through academia and industry collaborations," said Peter Chapman, CEO and President of IonQ. "International interest in quantum computing has grown exponentially in recent years, driven by government-backed initiatives and support. Today's announcement signifies a momentous achievement in ensuring the United States – through projects like SC Quantum – maintains its leadership position in the quantum industry."

"It is becoming increasingly clear that quantum information science and quantum computing have the potential to directly impact every aspect of South Carolina's economy," said Joe Queenan, Executive Director of SC Quantum. "We believe this collaboration can inspire technical discoveries that transform our region's economy. Today's partnership between IonQ and SC Quantum ensures our state is offering the most dynamic and globally competitive destination for quantum discovery, education, and entrepreneurship.

Today's announcement is the latest in a series of regional and international developments for IonQ. This year, IonQ announced the opening of the first dedicated quantum manufacturing facility in the U.S., located in Seattle, Washington. In 2023, IonQ and the University of Maryland announced the grand opening of the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) to provide people with access to the world's most powerful quantum computers. IonQ also announced an international partnership with QuantumBasel in Switzerland to establish a European quantum data center, in addition to signing Memorandum of Understandings with significant South Korean universities and institutions – South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Sungkyunkwan University, and Seoul National University's Center for Quantum Information Science Education.

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