Oxford Ionics, a world leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, has unveiled its new 30,000 square foot global headquarters at Oxford Technology Park. Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research, and Innovation officiated the event, formally cutting the ribbon alongside Oxford Ionics’ CEO Chris Ballance, and CTO Tom Harty.
More than 100 guests attended the grand opening, including representatives from the UK’s Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), Department of Business and Trade (DBT), and National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), as well as leading figures from across the global quantum computing ecosystem. During the event, attendees heard remarks from both Minister Vallance and Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director of the NQCC, who shared their perspectives on the rapidly growing quantum industry and the impact of high-performing quantum computers on the UK’s economy.
Attendees also received a tour of one of Oxford Ionics’ quantum computers, Quartet, which will be delivered to the NQCC later this month. Quartet will be deployed as part of the NQCC’s testbed programme at the Harwell campus, which has a long history of adopting the latest innovations in high-performance computing. The NQCC’s team will use Quartet to develop new quantum applications and research to supercharge high performance compute, working in tandem with government and national stakeholders.
Located in Oxford Technology Park Tech Box 6A, the new space encompasses over 30,000 square feet of offices, labs, and manufacturing facilities – housing up to 150 employees and with the capacity to house a world leading quantum data centre as Oxford Ionics’ rapidly commercialises its technology. The location will serve as Oxford Ionics’ global headquarters, joining offices in Boulder, CO and Switzerland.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance commented:
“The opening of Oxford Ionics’ new headquarters represents a new chapter in the UK’s rich history of quantum computing innovation. The work happening here will support our Plan for Change, through the commercialisation of quantum computers that will create jobs and boost our economy. This facility is further evidence of the UK’s world-leading expertise in quantum, and how this is pulling investment into the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and beyond.”
Dr Chris Ballance, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Ionics, added:
“This exciting milestone for Oxford Ionics is the culmination of a landmark year for us, which saw us close $20m in system sales and set world records in the three most important metrics of quantum computing performance. But we’re just getting started. This new facility will be the home to our ongoing innovation as we execute on an ambitious roadmap, and we’re excited to continue accelerating towards an era of market-catalysing quantum computing from this new location.”
About Oxford Ionics
Oxford Ionics was co-founded in 2019 by Dr Tom Harty and Dr Chris Ballance who both hold world records in quantum breakthroughs. The team includes 60 global experts across physics, quantum architecture, engineering and software and expects to triple headcount over the next 18 months as the business scales internationally. Oxford Ionics has raised £37 million to date with investors including Braavos, OSE, Lansdowne Partners, Prosus Ventures, 2xN, and Hermann Hauser (founder of chip giant ARM). In 2024, Oxford Ionics rapidly commercialised its technology, selling full-stack quantum computers to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and Germany’s Cyberagentur. The company also holds the world records in the three most important metrics for quantum performance: single- and two-qubit gate fidelity and quantum state preparation and measurement (SPAM).
