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Historic Collaboration Between Cavendish Laboratory and FormationQ

In an era where quantum technology is poised to revolutionize industries, FormationQ and the iconic Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge have joined forces to launch an ambitious new program aimed at applying quantum research to real-world problems. Utilizing the cutting-edge technology from IonQ, renowned as a leader in quantum platforms, this initiative promises to bridge the gap between academic discoveries and practical applications.

Aiming for Real-World Impact

On February 3, 2026, FormationQ announced this new applied quantum program, focusing on harnessing IonQ's trap ion quantum systems to transform pioneering quantum research into sustainable, real-life applications. With record gate fidelity and extensive connectivity, IonQ's systems are at the core of this collaboration, allowing for unprecedented bandwidth in experimenting with quantum technologies.

The partnership seeks not just to provide hardware but to foster an extensive ecosystem that supports long-term adoption of these groundbreaking technologies. The Cavendish Laboratory will provide the essential scientific foundation, while FormationQ will act as a facilitator, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible results for society.

Overcoming Barriers to Adoption

Despite the rapid advancements in quantum research, widespread adoption remains a challenge due to various institutional shortcomings. These include a lack of innovative business models, limited staff capacity, and inadequate coordination across the landscape of quantum technologies. The new program aims to address these hurdles by creating connective pathways that will facilitate the integration of quantum solutions into everyday uses, ultimately responding to pressing global challenges.

Professor Mete Atatüre, the director of the Cavendish Laboratory, remarked, "Progress in quantum technologies relies heavily on robust collaboration and constant dialogue between industry and academia. This initiative not only marks a significant step forward but is also a means of crafting applicable solutions to societal issues."

Nada Hosking, founder and CEO of FormationQ, stressed that the true obstacle in quantum technology isn’t the science itself but rather the ecosystem that supports it. She stated, "To truly implement these technologies, we need a scalable talent network, interoperable institutions, and collective management approaches. The alliance we’re creating is about building the bridges needed to ensure today’s quantum discoveries lead to tomorrow’s practical revolutions."

Launch of the Accelerated Alignment Initiative

As part of this collaboration, the newly formed Quantum Technology Accelerated Alignment Initiative will kick off—a two-year applied program aiming to transform quantum research into practical solutions. This initiative will focus on three primary areas: facilitating reliable quantum computing systems beyond laboratory settings, developing and testing quantum-connected technologies for communication and detection, and preparing industries and society to effectively engage with emerging quantum capabilities.

Each area will be directed by academic experts and supported by interdisciplinary research teams, ensuring that projects align with the real-world needs while simultaneously contributing to economic growth and social well-being.

A Vision for the Future

By merging the scientific leadership of the Cavendish Laboratory and the operational expertise of FormationQ, this collaboration aspires to create a long-lasting impact on technology transfer, workforce readiness, and practical implementation of quantum solutions. FormationQ, as an advocate for global quantum technology adoption, orchestrates the necessary institutional frameworks and collaborative structures, paving the way for these technologies to emerge from cutting-edge research into real-world applications.

In conclusion, as we witness significant leaps toward quantum technologies, collaborations such as the one between FormationQ and the Cavendish Laboratory represent crucial steps to harnessing quantum's potential for the benefit of society. The successes in this program will not only shape the future of quantum applications but also define how we address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.