IonQ and Sandia National Laboratories will collaborate on research into quantum system co-design and mission-focused applicationsThe partnership will focus on system optimization, device development, testing and characterization of quantum technologiesThe collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship that dates back to Sandia’s fabrication of ion traps used in IonQ’s earliest quantum computersIonQ has partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to jointly explore faster co-design of quantum information science technologies , the quantum platform company announced Tuesday. What Will IonQ & Sandia Study? Under the memorandum of understanding, the organizations will conduct research and development efforts in technical areas related to quantum system co-design and mission-relevant use cases, including system optimization, device development, characterization and testing. How Does the Sandia Partnership Fit Into IonQ’s Quantum Strategy? Earlier this year, IonQ opened a Colorado research facility focused on semiconductor ion trap development.