IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) and Florida LambdaRail announced an agreement to develop a quantum-safe network across Florida, marking what they describe as the first statewide quantum-safe network initiative in the United States.

The initial phase will create a nearly 100-mile quantum corridor connecting three research and education institutions from Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade County. The system will utilize IonQ's quantum key distribution technology over Florida LambdaRail's existing fiber optic network infrastructure.

The Master Service Agreement was announced at the 2026 eMerge Americas Conference + Expo. Florida LambdaRail operates a 1,540-mile dark fiber network serving 13 university partners and 58 affiliates including universities, colleges, K-12 schools, and government entities.

"Creating a statewide quantum network in Florida will mark another major milestone in the deployment of IonQ's global quantum platform," said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ.

The quantum key distribution technology is designed to detect interception attempts and provide protection against potential future cybersecurity threats. Similar initiatives have been implemented in Switzerland and Romania, according to the companies.

Jason Ball, chair of the Florida LambdaRail Board of Directors and associate provost at Florida Atlantic University, said the collaboration will enable universities and researchers to move quantum technology from laboratory settings to real-world deployment.

Following completion of the initial corridor, the initiative is expected to expand across the Florida LambdaRail network to connect additional institutions statewide, subject to future funding and stakeholder participation.

The project involves collaboration with Florida Quantum and local colleges and universities. Florida LambdaRail is a nonprofit organization that connects educational and research institutions across Florida through dedicated fiber infrastructure.