IonQ has formally entered Italy, launching a wholly owned subsidiary in the country to be led by Marco Pistoia.

Pistoia joined IonQ back in July, having previously assembled the quantum research team at banking giant JPMorganChase. He also spent more than 24 years researching quantum algorithms and applications at IBM Research’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center headquarters.

Reporting directly to CEO and chair Niccolò de Masi, Pistoia's role extends beyond establishing IonQ Italia. He’ll also head IonQ’s global Special Projects group, which focuses on initiatives such as quantum-safe communications and post-quantum cryptography, leveraging emerging satellite and networking technologies.

“I am deeply honored to help shape Italy’s quantum future through IonQ’s pioneering technologies,” Pistoia noted in a statement. “In addition to driving quantum computing and application expansion, I am committed to introducing IonQ’s full spectrum of quantum solutions to Italy, including quantum networking, quantum security, and quantum sensing, building the foundation for a more secure, intelligent, and technologically sovereign future.”

The formation of IonQ Italia came as its parent was a founding member of the Q-Alliance, which is attempting to build a quantum computing hub in Lombardy, Italy. That group was launched at the recent ComoLake2025 Digital Innovation Forum and will see IonQ work with Italian scientific institutions and governmental stakeholders, with its new Italian arm set to extend those efforts.

“Italy is a strategic pillar in IonQ’s global platform strategy, and Pistoia’s appointment reflects our unwavering commitment to establishing the country as a European leader in quantum innovation,” said de Masi. “Under Pistoia’s visionary leadership, IonQ will accelerate the deployment of quantum technologies that drive industrial competitiveness, enhance national security, and position Italy at the forefront of the worldwide Quantum Renaissance.”

The launch marks the latest for a continually growing startup.

IonQ raised $1 billion through an equity offering in July. It's developing a quantum facility outside Seattle and placing a trapped-ion quantum system at a site in Basel, Switzerland.

The startup is also building networking technologies, with one of its notable breakthroughs being the ability to potentially connect quantum computers using existing fiber-optic infrastructure across long distances.

Quantum-enthused drones in Heven AeroTech partnership

IonQ earlier this week entered into a partnership with Virginia-based aerospace firm Heven AeroTech to integrate quantum networking into long-range hydrogen-powered drones.

The project would see the pair develop quantum-enthused ultra-secure, reliable links between drones, enabling fleets to stay connected in real-time while reducing the potential for adversarial interference.

“This partnership enables us to push the boundaries of endurance, autonomy, and security in ways previously thought impossible,” Heven AeroTech Founder and CEO Ben Levinson explained in a statement. “Together, we’re building a new generation of uncrewed systems that can thrive in contested environments and deliver critical capabilities for the missions that matter most.”

The Heven AeroTech partnership is one of a growing number for IonQ in the defense space.

The firm previously signed a $13.4 million contract with the U.S. Air Force, with the pair working on networking and trapped ion systems, and quantum algorithm development.

IonQ also recently launched a federal division to bring its quantum computing and networking technologies to government customers. Former National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency director Robert Cardillo is leading IonQ Federal as executive chair, which will target both the U.S. government and “its allies.”