IonQ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Unveil Novel Approach to Scalable Quantum Computing

December 30, 2024 at 08:05 AM EST

Innovative, noise-tolerant quantum algorithm reduces the number of two-qubit gates needed by over 85 percent, speeding up solutions for complex optimization problems.

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing and networking industry, announced a technological breakthrough that demonstrates a new approach to scalable quantum computing, resulting from a collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The collaboration combined IonQ’s high-performing, enterprise-grade trapped-ion technology with ORNL’s world-class quantum technologies expertise to develop a novel hybrid quantum algorithm based on the Quantum Imaginary Time Evolution principle (QITE). This noise-tolerant method enables near-optimal and optimal solutions for complex combinatorial optimization problems on IonQ's commercially available hardware. The results showed that QITE can significantly outperform other quantum optimization algorithms such as QAOA (Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm) in both time-to-solution and circuit depth, paving the way for tackling large optimization problems on near-term quantum computers. By using this hybrid quantum algorithm, IonQ and ORNL were able to reduce the number of two-qubit gates by over 85% for a 28 qubit problem compared to a QAOA solution, improving over the state of the art. The hybrid quantum algorithm was proved out on IonQ’s Aria and Forte systems which were used inside the optimization loop, paving the way for scaling to larger problem sizes.

Optimization is one of the most anticipated applications for quantum computers, due to a wealth of applications in both industry and scientific discovery. IonQ and ORNL’s breakthrough method has practical applications across various industries, including energy grid optimization, unit commitment, contingency planning, financial risk management and fraud detection, improving logistics and supply chain efficiency, advancing drug discovery and optimizing clinical trials in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and enhancing production efficiency in manufacturing and operations.

“This work is an important step forward in scaling quantum computing systems for practical commercial applications,” said Dr. Martin Roetteler, Senior Director, Quantum Solutions at IonQ. “Working with ORNL, we’ve shown how our technology can have a direct business impact by reducing cost, time and computational resources, and we’re excited about the potential this has for industries ranging from logistics to energy systems, finance and life sciences.”

“This collaboration is part of the lab’s ongoing efforts in advancing quantum optimization. The development of quantum imaginary time evolution-based methods demonstrates our commitment to leveraging near-term quantum computers for real-world, industrial challenges. We’re excited about testing quantum computers to benefit the nation,” said Dr. Travis Humble, Director, Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

To learn more about IonQ’s latest innovations and more details on this novel hybrid quantum algorithm, visit www.ionq.com.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in the quantum computing and networking industry, delivering high-performance systems capable of solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000 and Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the terms “advancing,” “anticipated,” “benefit,” “breakthrough,” “can,” “collaboration,” “commitment,” “critical,” “develop,” “development,” “discovery,” “enables,” “encouraged,” “extend,” “impact,” “improving,” “laying the groundwork,” “leveraging,” “new approach,” “optimization,” “outperform,” “paving the way,” “potential,” “ranging,” “reducing,” “scalable,” “scaling,” “solutions,” “step forward,” “tackling,” “testing,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to IonQ’s quantum computing capabilities and plans, the accuracy and efficiency of quantum algorithms run on IonQ’s quantum computers, the success and capabilities available as the result of the of the IonQ and ORNL partnership, the capabilities of Aria and Forte systems, the ability for third parties to implement IonQ’s offerings to increase their quantum computing capabilities, access to IonQ’s quantum computers, the problems that can be solved by IonQ’s quantum computers, the ability to test and execute quantum algorithms on IonQ’s quantum computers, the opportunity to test and optimize novel quantum-enhanced algorithms for computational challenges on IonQ’s quantum computers, and the scalability of IonQ’s quantum computing offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ’s business; IonQ’s ability to scale its business and manage its growth to meet customer and market demands; IonQ’s ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities; market adoption of quantum computing solutions and IonQ’s products, services and solutions; current or future IonQ products and technology, and the expected benefits of current or future IonQ products and technology; or IonQ’s ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology, including with sufficient breadth to provide a competitive advantage. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of IonQ’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241230276852/en/

Contacts

IonQ Media Contact:

Jane Mazur

press@ionq.co

IonQ Investor Contact:

investors@ionq.co

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IonQ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Unveil Novel Approach to Scalable Quantum Computing

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