IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canadian Microelectronics Corporation, operating as CMC Microsystems, designating IonQ as a listed cloud quantum computing access provider for Canada's FABrIC Quantum Computing Sandbox (QCS).

The QCS is managed by CMC Microsystems under FABrIC, a $217-million initiative backed by the Government of Canada's Strategic Response Fund. The program provides engineering support and cloud quantum computing access to Canadian academic institutions and small-to-medium sized enterprises.

Under the agreement, IonQ's trapped-ion quantum computing systems will be integrated into the QCS platform. The MOU establishes a non-binding framework and does not obligate either party to enter into any definitive agreement or deploy any products or services.

Lisa Lambert, Vice President of Global Strategy and Managing Director for Canada at IonQ, said the collaboration would allow "more Canadian researchers and businesses to start building quantum expertise and real capability now."

Gordon Harling, CEO of CMC Microsystems, described the arrangement as pairing "a leading commercial quantum computing platform with the expertise to use it, so Canadian innovators can move from access to application."

IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland, and its quantum computing services are available through major cloud providers.