Qubitekk

Qubitekk, Inc. operates at the forefront of quantum networking, specializing in the design, construction, and integration of both hardware and software components that form the bedrock of quantum networks. The company was co-founded in 2012, initially as GridCOM Technologies, by Dr. Duncan Earl. Dr. Earl's extensive background includes nearly two decades of research and development in quantum optics, computing, and cryptography at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which provided the foundational expertise for Qubitekk's mission. His work has positioned him as a recognized figure in practical quantum applications.

The company's business model centers on providing the essential technology for quantum communication and security. Its product lineup includes entangled photon sources, the Quantum Network Essentials Platform, and the Bohr-IV Metro Quantum Network solution. These products are designed to generate, distribute, and measure qubits, enabling ultra-secure communications. Qubitekk's core technology utilizes entangled photon distribution for services like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which offers a method for establishing secure encryption keys based on physical phenomena rather than mathematical complexity, rendering them secure against future computational threats. This technology is pivotal for creating secure networks for critical infrastructure, defense, finance, and energy sectors.

Qubitekk serves a high-profile client base that includes government agencies and major corporations such as the U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense, NASA, GE, Verizon, and L3Harris. A significant milestone was the establishment of the EPB Quantum Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in partnership with EPB. Launched in 2022, this is the first commercially available quantum network in the United States, providing a quantum-as-a-service platform for researchers and private companies to test and develop quantum applications. The company holds a substantial patent portfolio, bolstered by the 2020 acquisition of 57 patents from QinetiQ, making it one of the largest quantum patent holders in the U.S. Qubitekk's contributions have been recognized with an R&D 100 Award and an Edison Gold Award. In late 2024, IonQ announced a definitive agreement to acquire Qubitekk, a transaction that was finalized in early 2025, integrating Qubitekk's team and extensive patent portfolio into IonQ's operations to advance the development of a quantum-enabled internet.

Keywords: quantum networking, quantum communications, quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, QKD, entangled photon sources, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security, secure communications, quantum-enabled internet, quantum hardware, quantum software, EPB Quantum Network, Duncan Earl, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, quantum security solutions, defense technology, energy sector security, financial sector security, quantum sensing, photonic qubits, metro quantum network, IonQ