The Post-Quantum World Cracking Encryption by 2030? – with Dean Kassmann of IonQ
Aug 6, 2025
Dean Kassmann, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology at IonQ, shares insights on the future of quantum computing. He reveals IonQ's ambitious goal of achieving 80,000 logical qubits by 2030, which could disrupt current encryption methods. The discussion also highlights the impact of strategic acquisitions on scaling qubit systems and advancing error correction. Kassmann emphasizes the transformative applications in industries such as finance and drug discovery, stressing the urgency for post-quantum cryptography to safeguard cybersecurity.
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IonQ's Game-Changing Tech Roadmap
- IonQ's roadmap leverages recent acquisitions to transform quantum computing using trapped ions with enhanced gate technology.
- Electronic gates replace lasers, improving scalability and fidelity, moving to 2D topologies with semiconductor-like manufacturing.
Modular Qubit Scaling Strategy
- IonQ plans to build a 256-physical-qubit "cartridge" producing 12 logical qubits by 2026.
- By 2028, they intend to connect multiple modules using diamond-based optical interconnects to scale qubit quantity and power.
Quantum Threat to Encryption Deadlines
- IonQ projects 80,000 logical qubits by 2030, surpassing NIST's 2035 deadline for post-quantum cryptography.
- This advancement could enable breaking current cryptographic standards years earlier, reshaping cybersecurity timelines.