IonQ is set to acquire software and technology research and development company Seed Innovations to strengthen its quantum infrastructure and artificial intelligence-driven platform development.
The transaction, announced by IonQ on Wednesday, will bring Seed’s expertise in machine learning, advanced software architecture and cloud migration into the quantum infrastructure organization. Financial terms were not disclosed. IonQ expects the deal to close Jan. 30.
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What Role Will Seed Innovations Play at IonQ?
The Seed Innovations team will join IonQ, with Seed Innovations founder Marlu Oswald reporting to Frank Backes, president of IonQ quantum infrastructure.
Backes said the acquisition will broaden IonQ’s software capabilities as it works to optimize performance across quantum applications and “build the world’s only enterprise grade, full-stack quantum platform.”
IonQ noted that Seed’s work will focus on areas such as AI-assisted quantum performance improvements, automation frameworks and cloud integration to help manage and scale complex quantum workloads.
How Does the Seed Deal Fit Into IonQ’s Acquisition Strategy?
The Seed agreement was announced the same day that IonQ confirmed it had completed its acquisition of Skyloom Global, a developer of optical communications technology for secure, high-performance connectivity.
IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi said Skyloom adds communications and photonics expertise that supports the company’s long-term road map for scalable quantum networking and distributed entanglement. In a past CNBC interview, he noted that the deal was supported by $3.5 billion in new funding.
Skyloom’s management team, led by CEO Marc Eisenberg, will remain in place to continue supporting existing government, aerospace and defense customers.
What Other Quantum Networking Investments Has IonQ Made?
IonQ has pursued several acquisitions tied to quantum-secure communications and networking infrastructure.
In July 2025, the company finalized its acquisition of Capella Space as part of efforts to develop a space-based quantum key distribution network intended to enable secure global communications. De Masi said the integration of Capella’s satellite infrastructure with IonQ technology is expected to bolster commercial applications and defense and intelligence missions.
Where Else Is IonQ Supporting Defense-Related Innovation?
IonQ is among the companies recently added as awardees under the Missile Defense Agency’s Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract vehicle.
The $151 billion multiple-award contract is designed to provide the agency and other Department of War entities with a flexible acquisition mechanism supporting advanced defense capabilities, including work incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital engineering approaches.
