DARPA moves IBM and IonQ to Stage C of Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
DARPA announced that IBM and IonQ have been selected for Stage C of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, the final testing phase that will run through 2029. IBM will have its fault‑tolerant hardware evaluated, aiming to deliver its first fault‑tolerant system, IBM Quantum Starling, by 2029. IonQ’s participation is tied to a potential agreement worth up to $300 million to validate its Superion quantum systems.
Why it matters
The company says advancing to Stage C validates each firm’s path toward building a utility‑scale, fault‑tolerant quantum computer, a milestone that could unlock new revenue streams and government contracts. IonQ’s potential $300 million deal, if funded, would create a multi‑year revenue pipeline, while IBM’s progress supports its broader hybrid‑cloud and AI strategy.
Key facts
- 1IBM was selected for Stage C of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. prnewswire.com
- 2IBM expects to deliver its first fault‑tolerant quantum system, IBM Quantum Starling, in 2029. prnewswire.com
- 3IonQ advanced to Stage C of the initiative under an agreement with a potential value of up to $300 million. tradingview.com
- 4IonQ’s Stage C testing will run through 2029 and involve multiple generations of its Superion systems. marketscreener.com
- 5DARPA moved four companies – Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM and IonQ – to the final stage of the program. govconwire.com
- 6The program aims to assess whether a fault‑tolerant quantum computer can be built by 2033. prnewswire.com
Open questions
- The exact amount of DARPA funding already committed to IonQ is not disclosed; the $300 million figure is a ceiling.
- Funding beyond the initial obligation is subject to future appropriations and DARPA actions.
Summary written by AlphAI from 20 of 21 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.