Shaun Cunningham

Shaun Cunningham asked about the cost trajectory for IonQ's quantum systems, specifically how the SkyWater acquisition will contribute to making systems smaller and cheaper, and how costs are expected to evolve over the next few years.

Answer

Niccolo de Masi, IonQ's Chairman and CEO, reiterated the Analyst Day target of a Bill of Materials (BOM) cost under $30 million for full fault-tolerant machines. He explained that IonQ's electronic cubic controls for ion traps on a semiconductor platform allow costs to decrease over time, even as qubit counts increase, due to manufacturing volumes. He highlighted that the cost curve is similar to the semiconductor industry, enabling IonQ to offer powerful machines at accessible unit economics. Inder M. Singh, CFO and COO, added that SkyWater's existing capacity and low CapEx model support this cost efficiency.

Shaun Cunningham inquired about IonQ's strategy for making smaller and cheaper quantum systems, the role of the SkyWater acquisition in this, and the expected cost trajectory of systems over the next few years.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi reiterated that IonQ's full fault-tolerant machines are projected to have a bill of materials cost materially under $30 million. He explained that the electronic cubic controls of ion traps on a semiconductor basis mean adding more qubits does not significantly increase costs, and manufacturing volumes are expected to drive costs down over time, even as qubit counts increase.