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IonQ to Acquire SkyWater for $1.8 Billion to Bring Chipmaking In-House

The deal positions IonQ to secure a U.S. supply chain, accelerating testing of large-scale quantum processors by 2028.

Overview

  • IonQ will pay $35 per SkyWater share, split into $15 in cash and $20 in IonQ stock subject to a collar, valuing the transaction at about $1.8 billion.
  • Closing is targeted for the second or third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and a vote by SkyWater shareholders.
  • After closing, SkyWater will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary led by CEO Thomas Sonderman, who will report to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi.
  • IonQ plans to use SkyWater’s facilities in Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, including Austin, as quantum production hubs and to begin testing planned 200,000‑qubit chips in 2028.
  • SkyWater will continue serving aerospace, defense, and commercial customers with wafer services, advanced packaging, and specialized components such as atomic clocks as IonQ builds a secure domestic supply chain for federal demand.