Presented by IonQ
What will it take to turn quantum breakthroughs into practical benefits for government and industry? Recorded at Quantum World Congress in College Park, Maryland, the conversations below explore that question from three perspectives: the technology’s potential, the missions it could support, and the preparation needed to put it to work. IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi examines how quantum computing, sensing and security could change the capabilities available to government users. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Robert Cardillo, Executive Chairman of IonQ Federal and former NGA Director, connect quantum investment to economic growth and national security outcomes. Dr. Gretchen Campbell of the University of Maryland and Masako Yamada of IonQ discuss identifying useful applications, accessing quantum hardware and developing the workforce. In an additional conversation, University of Maryland President Dr. Darryll Pines and Capital of Quantum Director Dr. Corey Stambaugh explain how research, investment, manufacturing and talent can come together to bring quantum technologies to market.
Quantum technology could change government computing power without requiring users to abandon familiar devices. In this conversation with Fed Gov Today Host Francis Rose, Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, describes a future in which quantum capabilities support everyday workflows while influencing economic growth and national security.
For employees and warfighters, he envisions familiar laptops, phones and tablets accessing quantum computers to address problems beyond their own capabilities. Results would return through conventional devices, allowing more advanced processing to support an experience users already understand. He points to IonQ’s partnership with NVIDIA and the planned placement of an IonQ quantum computer in an NVIDIA data center as an example of the hybrid workflows he expects to develop.
The discussion also reaches beyond computing. De Masi describes IonQ’s work on positioning technology that he expects to deliver greater accuracy, with potential implications for battlefield operations. His description is forward-looking, outlining the capabilities the company is working to achieve.
Cybersecurity presents a parallel challenge. As computing and sensing advance, de Masi expects adversaries to pursue increasingly capable tools, including artificial intelligence and eventually powerful quantum computers. Government organizations will need to keep adapting how they protect communications and data.
The interview connects the promise of quantum with the practical experience of its future users. De Masi’s vision pairs greater computing power with familiar interfaces, while emphasizing that technical progress and security preparation must advance together. For government leaders, it offers a perspective on how emerging technology could affect mission performance, decision-making and the tools personnel use in their daily work.
Top Three Takeaways
Cardillo describes quantum as the next phase in extending the country’s security advantage. Drawing on nearly four decades in intelligence, he emphasizes that increasing the amount of data is valuable only when it improves decisions. He sees international competition in quantum as a race that requires sustained effort.
Moore connects quantum to Maryland’s priorities in life sciences, information technology, aerospace and defense. He describes the billion-dollar Capital of Quantum initiative as an investment in a foundational capability that can support those industries. In his view, quantum should inform economic development, rather than function as an isolated technology effort.
The discussion also addresses what government partners should provide. Cardillo asks for mission challenges and outcomes so companies can compete to solve them. Scientific strength matters, but his focus is translating that strength into capabilities that protect deployed forces and support national security.
Moore brings his military experience to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of trusting training and equipment. He also argues that competition between states and companies must coexist with cooperation on national priorities.
Together, their perspectives make the case for linking quantum development to defined needs. The opportunity is to build an ecosystem that connects research, investment and public leadership with the people and decisions technology ultimately serves.
Top Three Takeaways
Campbell describes an ecosystem that includes quantum scientists, engineers, growing companies, universities and early customers. Federal agencies have a role as partners and prospective users, helping connect technology development with mission challenges.
Yamada explains that customers often arrive with an interest in quantum but an incomplete picture of where it could help. Her team begins with existing problems, including computations that are slow or expensive. The next step is evaluating whether those problems are suitable for quantum computing and identifying relevant algorithms.
Computational fluid dynamics is one area drawing repeated customer interest. Yamada describes work with Synopsys to investigate algorithms that could help address those challenges. The effort focuses on finding useful applications by connecting customer needs with quantum expertise.
Campbell points to the National Quantum Lab, developed through a University of Maryland partnership with IonQ, as a way for researchers, companies and federal agencies to access hardware for experiments and trial runs. Such access can help organizations explore connections between mission needs and emerging capabilities.
Both see a workforce that must grow and adapt. Formal quantum education, changing development tools and demand for broader professional skills are expanding the field. Their advice is to connect curiosity with specific challenges, experience and learning.
Top Three Takeaways