The proposed technique is expected to enable quantum sampling algorithms to scale to high precision, paving the way for quantum advantage on practical problems

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), an industry leader in quantum computing, in collaboration with the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), today announced an efficient and reliable design as a critical first step in the application of quantum computing to Monte Carlo methods. The first-of-its-kind state preparation technique is scalable and has been demonstrated on IonQ hardware for up to 20 qubits. The achievement may not only benefit financial institutions in tasks like portfolio management, but also other industries including science and engineering, where Monte Carlo algorithms are used. A research paper outlining the new technique is available here for viewing.

State preparation is a necessary component of many quantum algorithms and is fundamental in expediting Monte Carlo methods, which use randomness to simulate outcomes of complex problems. Financial institutions use Monte Carlo algorithms to understand the relationship between an outcome and multiple variables in complex systems, but their precision is frequently limited by the length of time needed to run the same algorithm repeatedly with different values of the variables. IonQ and FCAT believe that when run on large and accurate quantum computers, this state preparation technique will help these institutions achieve faster results.

“The Fidelity Center for Applied Technology team were early believers in the power of quantum to reshape the field of finance, and we are pleased to announce the development of a first-of-its-kind state preparation technique with them,” said Peter Chapman, CEO, IonQ. “In finance, accuracy and speed can mean the difference between profit or loss. We believe this technique can provide financial institutions a tool they need to integrate quantum into their workflow and explore novel ways to inform portfolio engineering, retirement planning, and risk management in even the most complex of scenarios.”

Today’s announcement is an extension of IonQ’s project with the FCAT^® team, during which the two groups issued a paper describing how certain generative quantum machine learning algorithms may provide an advantage over their classical counterparts. Additional information about IonQ’s work with FCAT will be presented at the American Physical Society (APS) Annual Meeting 2023, taking place March 5-10, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The Monte Carlo protocol is an integral component of financial planning, as it helps us understand how several correlated variables interact with each other when one element is changed,” said Adam Schouela, Head of Emerging Technology, Fidelity Center for Applied Technology. “However, current state preparation techniques are either theoretical or have some type of deficiency when scaling. Today, we’re proud to announce alongside IonQ a state preparation algorithm that we believe is scalable and executable on NISQ hardware.”

Today’s announcement follows recent news that IonQ has acquired quantum software compiler Entangled Networks, with the goal of building large-scale quantum computers by enabling computation across multiple distributed quantum processors. Additionally, in 2022 IonQ entered into a multi-million-dollar contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, as well as partnerships with companies like Dell Technologies, Hyundai Motors, Airbus, and GE Research, among others. For more information, visit investors.ionq.com/news.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing, with a proven track record of innovation and deployment. IonQ Aria is the latest in a line of cutting-edge commercial quantum systems, boasting industry-leading 25 algorithmic qubits. Along with record performance, IonQ has defined what it believes is the best path forward to scale.

IonQ is the only company with its quantum systems available through the cloud on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as through direct API access. IonQ was founded in 2015 by Dr. Christopher Monroe and Dr. Jungsang Kim based on 25 years of pioneering research. To learn more, visit www.ionq.com.

About the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology

Since 1999, the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology has served as an innovative technology resource for Fidelity Investments. FCAT^® research and development teams evaluate and track important trends in technology, identifying those that will matter most to Fidelity over the next five years. FCAT is a catalyst for breakthrough achievements, developing and bringing new capabilities and products to scale and building effective tools and systems that support millions of individual and institutional customers. Every day, FCAT teams lay the foundation for Fidelity’s future, one experiment at a time.

IONQ and Fidelity Investments are not affiliated.

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the application of quantum computing to Monte Carlo methods and its benefit to financial institutions and other industries where the Monte Carlo method is used; the ability of the state preparation technique to help institutions achieve faster results with Monte Carlo algorithms; the power of quantum computing to reshape the field of finance; the ability of financial institutions to integrate quantum computing into their workflow; and IonQ’s ability to build large-scale quantum computers by enabling computation across multiple distributed quantum processors. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: market adoption of quantum computing solutions and IonQ’s products, services and solutions; the ability of IonQ to protect its intellectual property; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ’s business; IonQ’s ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, and identify and realize additional partnerships and opportunities; and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of IonQ’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

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