Quantum computing company IonQ said it will acquire U.S. chipmaker SkyWater Technology for about $1.8 billion in a cash-and-stock deal, bringing semiconductor manufacturing in-house to accelerate development of next-generation quantum processors. The acquisition is aimed at securing IonQ’s supply chain and strengthening its ability to serve federal and defense customers as it scales operations.
Under the deal, SkyWater shareholders will receive $15 in cash and $20 in IonQ stock per share, representing a premium of nearly 12% to SkyWater’s last closing price. SkyWater operates fabrication facilities in Minnesota, Florida and Texas, which will become dedicated quantum production hubs for IonQ while continuing to serve existing aerospace, defense and commercial clients.
IonQ said owning a trusted U.S. foundry will allow it to test its planned 200,000-qubit quantum chips by 2028, earlier than previously expected. SkyWater will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary after the deal closes, expected in the second or third quarter of 2026, with CEO Thomas Sonderman reporting to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi. IonQ also said it expects 2025 revenue to come in at the high end or above its $106 million to $110 million forecast.
