Quantum computing firm IonQ has partnered with the University of Cambridge to deploy a 256-qubit quantum computer at the university and establish a quantum innovation center.

The quantum computer will be installed at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory and, according to the partners, is set to become the most powerful quantum computer in the UK and one of the first commercial-scale systems hosted at a UK university.

Meanwhile, the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre will focus on innovations across quantum hardware, networking, sensing, and security, and support research programs, academic engagement, talent development initiatives, and industry-facing events.

In a statement, the partners said the collaboration aligns with the UK Government’s quantum computing strategy. This includes its five ‘Quantum Missions’ which provide milestones for investment and research that will secure what the government called the UK’s “status as a world leader in [quantum] technology.”

“This historic agreement with Cambridge deepens IonQ’s commitment to the United Kingdom and accelerates our technology platform with novel research at one of the world’s most storied physics powerhouses,” said Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By establishing the IonQ Quantum Innovation Centre, we are strengthening the bridge between academic discovery and commercial quantum advantage. We believe this partnership will contribute meaningfully to the UK’s commitment to advancing scalable quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security.”

Professor Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, added: “We’re proud that Cambridge is at the heart of the UK’s next computing revolution. This new and ambitious partnership is the first of its kind for a UK university. It’s not just a new facility for Cambridge — it’s one for the whole of the UK, and it will develop not only exciting new technologies but also the UK’s next generation of leaders in quantum science.”

Founded in 2015, IonQ develops quantum systems with trapped ion technology. The company has undertaken a number of acquisitions since mid-2025, including its purchase of pure-play chipmaker SkyWater Technology for $1.8bn in January of this year, photonic interconnect and quantum memory company Lightsynq in June 2025, and the acquisition of Capella Space the month prior.

In September 2025, IonQ completed its acquisition of Oxford Ionics for $1.08bn.