IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) announced it received a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum program. The HARQ program aims to develop networked quantum computers that combine different qubit types including trapped ions, neutral atoms, and superconducting qubits.

Under the contract, IonQ will focus on quantum memories built from synthetic diamond materials. These components serve as core chips for the company's quantum interconnect systems, which are designed to enable communication between different quantum computing technologies.

"IonQ's pioneering quantum interconnect technology can enable modular scalability not only for ion traps, but for a wide range of quantum technologies," said Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ, according to the company's statement.

The HARQ program seeks to leverage photonic integration and quantum interconnects for communication between diverse qubit species. IonQ's quantum memories are intended to support applications ranging from datacenter-scale interconnects to long-distance entanglement distribution networks.

IonQ reported achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025 and reaching its #AQ 64 milestone on the IonQ Tempo system. The company also stated it achieved qubit to photon frequency conversion in a field deployable system for quantum networks on fiber optic infrastructure.

The College Park, Maryland-based company operates across multiple countries and provides quantum computing services through major cloud providers. The contract details including financial terms were not disclosed in the company's announcement.