IonQ to Deploy Superion 256 Quantum Computer at Florida International University

Insider BriefPRESS RELEASE — IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the world’s leading full-stack quantum platform and foundry, today announced a contract with Florida International University (FIU), Miami’s top ranked state university. Under the agreement, IonQ will deliver its Superion 256-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer for installation at FIU.This contract establishes FIU as IonQ’s flagship academic partner in Florida, creating a central hub for quantum research and education across the region. This agreement marks the first sale and deployment of a Superion 256 trapped-ion quantum computer in Florida.“This key partnership with Florida International University represents a major milestone in expanding direct physical access to IonQ’s industry-leading, high-performance quantum hardware,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By housing our Superion 256 system directly on campus, FIU will lead the region in quantum research and training.”“Having this 256-qubit quantum computer right on campus positions FIU researchers at the forefront of national quantum innovation,” said FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez. “This partnership provides our 1,200 faculty members, 56,000 students, and regional industry partners with direct access to one of the most advanced computing architectures in the world. It also puts the university in a leading position to engage with key federal agencies to advance recently launched quantum initiatives that address many national needs in the areas of sensing, cryptography, commercialization and workforce development.”FIU maintains an active national research showcase and briefing center in Washington, D.C. with robust engagement among federal agencies, which is expected to support the partnership with Maryland-based IonQ.The sixth-generation IonQ system features 256 physical trapped-ion qubits. The hardware will be housed in a specialized, secure facility built on FIU’s campus, with installation currently expected in late 2027, following completion of FIU’s on-campus data center. Students, faculty, visiting scholars, and affiliated research centers will gain direct access to the IonQ Superion system. Scientific applications and research are expected to span material science, artificial intelligence, logistics, cybersecurity, health, and power grid management.“The 256 physical qubits system located in Miami will enable our team to run complex computational workflows,” said FIU Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development Andres G. Gil. “They will also train the skilled workforce needed to support Florida’s growing quantum industry by developing new curricula, degree programs, and certificates in quantum computing and collaborating closely with industry partners across South Florida and beyond.”TopicsShare Get the latest research, company news, and market intelligence every week. MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLEIonQ is a developer in trapped ion quantum computing founded in 2015 that actively applies its technology to the aerospace and defense sectors. The company empowers satellite-based quantum networks and quantum enabled drones to improve positioning, navigation, and timing resilience in GPS denied environments, and collaborates with industry leaders like Airbus to optimize aircraft loading.Florida International University is a public research university that conducts research across engineering, computing, physical sciences, health, and environmental disciplines. It collaborates with industry, government, and academic partners to advance scientific research and technology innovation.More in Research The Quantum Insider (TQI) is the leading source for the latest quantum technology news, market intelligence, industry analysis, and data covering the global quantum ecosystem. NEWSROOMPLATFORMSERVICESCOMPANY© 2026 The Quantum Insider. All rights reserved. Part of the Resonance networkOne of our team will be in touch to learn more about your requirements, and provide pricing and access options.Subscribe to our industry leading leading newsletter for the latest in quantum news and insights. We use cookies to analyse traffic and improve your experience. Privacy Policy