IonQ Partners with ARLIS to Pioneering Zero Trust Security Framework for Quantum Computing

On March 10, 2026, IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ), a global leader in quantum computing, announced a significant partnership with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS). This collaboration aims to establish a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework specifically tailored for mission-critical quantum computing applications under the SEQCURE initiative, which is sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's Concepts, Development, and Management Office.

The collaboration focuses on enhancing security measures within quantum computing by evaluating existing commercial security practices. The objective is to facilitate the deployment of ZTA, as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard SP800-207. This modern security paradigm shifts from traditional perimeter-based defenses to a model that continuously verifies access to crucial resources across computing systems.

Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, emphasized the necessity of this transition: “As quantum systems transition into the bedrock of national infrastructure, the shift from legacy perimeter security to a Zero Trust Architecture is a strategic imperative.” He underscored that integrating continuous verification across all facets of IonQ's quantum platform—computing, networking, sensing, and security—will not only ensure the robustness of their systems but also foster a trusted quantum ecosystem.

Through this collaboration, IonQ will support ARLIS in formulating a ZTA framework grounded in NIST standards. This endeavor ensures that quantum technologies can be securely integrated across various environments, including hardware, software, data, and cloud infrastructures. The resultant architectural standards are anticipated to serve as a guide for secure integrations across federal agencies.

“We are happy to be working together with industry leaders such as IonQ on this important program,” remarked Paul Lopata, Chief Quantum Scientist at ARLIS. He expressed optimism that the insights gained from this collaboration would eventually bolster confidence among commercial and government users of quantum systems.

This partnership with ARLIS is part of IonQ's broader strategy to strengthen its portfolio of federal collaborations. The company already has established contracts with various governmental entities, including DARPA and the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). These collaborations highlight IonQ’s commitment to leading the development of a comprehensive quantum platform that meets the unique needs of national security and defense.

IonQ is at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution, providing integrated solutions across multiple domains, including computing, networking, sensing, and security. With its latest quantum computer, the IonQ Tempo, the company aims to enhance performance capabilities, enabling breakthroughs in diverse fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and cybersecurity. Notably, IonQ achieved a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025, demonstrating 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ operates globally, with facilities across the United States and partnerships with major cloud providers. The company is dedicated to making quantum technology more accessible and impactful for users worldwide.

The partnership between IonQ and ARLIS represents a pivotal step toward securing the future of quantum computing, ensuring that as this technology becomes integral to national infrastructure, it remains protected against emerging threats. As the landscape of quantum technology evolves, the commitment to establishing secure, trusted frameworks will be essential for fostering innovation and safeguarding national interests.