Quantum computing company IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) is looking to supercharge its growth in the Seattle area after opening its 105,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bothell.
IonQ, which opened the space Feb. 15, initially planned to occupy two floors but already picked up a third in recent months, according to Chief Marketing Officer Margaret Arakawa. She said the company has "hundreds of employees" in Bothell though didn't disclose an exact headcount.
"We are looking at hiring over the next years thousands of employees," Arakawa said. "The talent pool here is mind-blowing, and it's perfect for us."
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IonQ first announced plans in January 2023 to open the Bothell facility, its first office in the area, but only envisioned 65,000 square feet at the time.
The facility at 3755 Monte Villa Parkway in Bothell houses IonQ's research and development, manufacturing and primary production engineering. It will build quantum computers at the Bothell facility.
IonQ plans to invest $1 billion in the Pacific Northwest over the next 10 years. Arakawa said the investments will go toward building and hiring, adding that the company is also building a data center here.
As for why IonQ chose Bothell, Arakawa said the building used to be an AT&T data center, making the infrastructure suitable for IonQ's needs. The company also knew the third floor was available, so they could grow in the space if needed.
IonQ, headquartered in College Park, Maryland, was founded in 2015. It makes multiple models of quantum computers. Quantum computing is an emerging field of computer science that uses quantum mechanics, with the goal of solving problems too complex for traditional supercomputers.
IonQ's clients include Hyundai, Airbus and GE. The company also has a $25.5 million deal with the United States Air Force Research Lab for two quantum computers in Rome, New York.
Arakawa said clients can purchase access to the quantum computers through IonQ's data center, or they can gain access through cloud providers Google, Microsoft and Amazon. Customers can also purchase their own quantum computers.
"We built the first dedicated quantum computing facility in the nation," Arakawa said.
