IonQ Inc., a trailblazer in quantum computing, is poised to significantly expand its footprint in the Seattle area. Following the opening of its 105,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bothell on February 15, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to growth and innovation in the region.
Initially planning to occupy two floors, IonQ has already expanded to a third, showcasing the rapid pace of its development. Chief Marketing Officer Margaret Arakawa revealed that the company has “hundreds of employees” in Bothell, with plans to hire thousands more in the coming years, according to a report in the Puget Sound Business Journal. This expansion underscores IonQ’s confidence in the Seattle area’s talent pool, which Arakawa describes as “mind-blowing” and ideally suited to their needs.
The Bothell facility, located at 3755 Monte Villa Parkway, is more than just a manufacturing site. It’s a hub for research and development, manufacturing, and primary production engineering. This move is part of IonQ’s plan to invest $1 billion in the Pacific Northwest over the next decade, focusing on building infrastructure and workforce development. The investment also includes constructing a data center, further solidifying IonQ’s commitment to the region.
The property is owned by Pasadena, Calif.-based Alexandria Real Estate, which purchased the property as part of a two-building acquisition for a combined $121.9 million in November of 2020, according to previous reporting by The Registry. Alexandria paid $32.3 million, or just under $316 per square foot, for the 3755 Monte Villa Parkway asset, while it paid $24.57 million, or about $315 per square foot, for the 3555 Monte Villa Parkway building. The sellers were affiliated with John Martin and Nick Westlund of Bellevue-based Wesmar Investments LLC, and both properties were vacant at the time of their acquisition.
The choice of Bothell for IonQ’s expansion is strategic. The building, a former AT&T data center, offers the ideal infrastructure for IonQ’s advanced technological needs. The option to expand within the same building provided IonQ with the flexibility required for its growth plans.
Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ was founded in 2015 and has since been at the forefront of quantum computing. This emerging field, leveraging quantum mechanics, aims to tackle problems beyond the reach of traditional supercomputers. IonQ manufactures various models of quantum computers, catering to a diverse client base that includes industry giants such as Hyundai, Airbus, and GE, as well as a significant $25.5 million contract with the United States Air Force Research Lab.
IonQ offers versatile access to its quantum computers. Clients can either purchase access through IonQ’s data center, utilize cloud providers like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, or acquire their own quantum computers. This flexibility allows a wide range of customers to leverage the power of quantum computing for complex problem-solving.
IonQ’s expansion in Bothell is a boost for the local economy and job market; it represents a significant step in the advancement of quantum computing technology in the region. With the establishment of the nation’s first dedicated quantum computing facility, IonQ is driving innovation in this revolutionary field, bringing with it a wave of technological innovation and economic growth in Puget Sound.
