IonQ trap test wafer. Photo: IonQ

IonQ has signed another collaboration deal in the field of quantum computing. It will team up with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) on SEQCURE (Securing Experimental Quantum Computing Usage in Research Environments), a program sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force’s Concepts, Development, and Management Office. This collaboration intends to advance the state of quantum computing security by analyzing existing commercial quantum computing security practices with an aim to understand what it would take to deploy zero trust architecture to future quantum computers. IonQ announced the new collaboration on March 10.

Through this project, IonQ will assist ARLIS in defining a zero trust architecture framework based on standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring quantum technologies can be deployed securely across hardware, software, data, and cloud environments. The resulting architecture standards will guide trusted integration across federal agencies.

“By integrating NIST-defined continuous verification across every pillar of our quantum platform — computing, networking, sensing, and security — we are not just building the world’s most powerful quantum systems; we are ensuring they are the most trusted quantum ecosystem. This project with ARLIS is a definitive step in creating the secure, verifiable framework required for the future of the quantum internet and national-scale deployments,” Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ said in a statement.