Quantum computing company IonQ announced an agreement to acquire cybersecurity startup Elisity for up to $1.3 billion, expanding its technology portfolio beyond quantum processors and into enterprise network protection. The all-stock transaction brings together IonQ’s quantum security initiatives with Elisity’s Zero Trust cybersecurity platform, according to company announcements.

The acquisition is part of IonQ’s broader strategy to build a more comprehensive technology platform around quantum computing, security, and related infrastructure. IonQ said the combination is intended to connect its post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution capabilities with Elisity’s approach to identity-based network access control.

Elisity develops Zero Trust security technology designed to help organizations manage access among users, devices, workloads, and other connected systems. The company’s platform focuses on limiting unnecessary access within networks, a security model that has gained attention as enterprises face increasingly complex digital environments involving cloud systems, artificial intelligence tools, and connected infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Elisity shareholders will receive approximately $1.15 billion in IonQ stock at closing, with additional consideration of up to $150 million tied to business performance milestones. IonQ disclosed the transaction in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and said the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions, including required regulatory approvals.

The acquisition reflects a growing focus among technology companies on the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. While large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking widely used encryption systems have not yet been achieved, security researchers and government agencies have warned organizations to prepare for future migration toward quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.

Cybersecurity experts have highlighted the possibility of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, in which encrypted information collected today could potentially be decrypted in the future if sufficiently powerful quantum systems become available. This concern has encouraged businesses and governments to evaluate cryptographic upgrades before such capabilities mature.

IonQ said the combined company will seek to provide security technologies aimed at helping organizations address existing cyber threats while preparing for future quantum-related challenges. The company has increasingly positioned itself as a provider of broader quantum solutions rather than only a manufacturer of quantum computers.

The acquisition also continues IonQ’s recent expansion through strategic purchases and partnerships designed to strengthen its technology ecosystem. By adding cybersecurity capabilities, the company is targeting markets where organizations may require both advanced computing resources and stronger security controls.

For enterprise customers, the combination could create opportunities to integrate security management, cryptographic planning, and quantum-related technology assessments within a single vendor relationship. However, the success of the strategy will depend on how effectively IonQ integrates Elisity’s products, customers, and cybersecurity expertise into its existing business.

The transaction comes as technology companies across Silicon Valley and the broader U.S. innovation sector continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and cybersecurity. The rapid adoption of AI systems has increased demand for stronger controls around data access, identity management, and infrastructure protection.

Elisity’s Zero Trust model is designed around the principle that organizations should continuously verify access rather than rely on traditional network boundaries. This approach has become increasingly common as companies operate across hybrid cloud environments and manage larger numbers of connected devices and software services.

IonQ’s move into cybersecurity illustrates how emerging technology companies are attempting to build wider platforms around specialized expertise. Similar strategies have appeared across the technology industry, where companies increasingly combine hardware, software, security, and cloud capabilities to compete for enterprise customers.

The deal may also influence how investors evaluate quantum computing companies. While quantum computing remains an emerging field with significant technical challenges, companies in the sector are seeking additional commercial opportunities that can generate revenue and establish relationships with large organizations before quantum applications reach broader adoption.

IonQ and Elisity will continue operating separately until the transaction closes. Following completion, the companies plan to combine their technologies and expand offerings aimed at enterprise and government customers.