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OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that he is directing $500,000 from the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF) to support the expansion of IonQ, a leading quantum computing company in Bothell. This facility opened in 2024 as the first of its kind in the nation. The company makes quantum computers that can offer exponentially greater processing power for certain complex tasks. The IonQ expansion is expected to create 1,200 to 2,000 jobs over the next five years — one of the highest job creation totals in the SRF’s history. The announcement comes on World Quantum Day.
The funds were awarded to the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) for building upgrades, workforce expenses, and other costs to expand its quantum computing manufacturing facility. It’s matched by more than $14 million in private investment.
“Washington has always been a pioneer of new technology. Quantum is the future and it’s being built here,” Governor Ferguson said. “Washington has everything needed to support the success of this technology, which has the potential to transform our society. This investment is a win for jobs, for our economy, and for our reputation as a leader in tech.”
“This expansion reflects confidence in the state’s ability to support innovation and help businesses succeed,” said Commerce Interim Director Sarah Clifthorne. “Washington is ready to support the thousands of well-paying jobs this will create and continue as a trailblazer in quantum advancement.”
IonQ is a leading quantum computing companies in the U.S. It develops technology with the potential to transform industries such as health care, energy and cybersecurity. In 2024, IonQ opened the nation’s first dedicated quantum computing manufacturing facility in Bothell, and it has since expanded to a full 100,000-square-foot hub for quantum computer production, research and development, and a second quantum data center. The company plans to add roughly 100 engineering positions over the next 18 months, with an average salary of $177,000, and a total of 1,200 to 2,000 jobs over the next five years.
“Washington is rapidly becoming a critically important region for quantum manufacturing, and Governor Ferguson’s support is a powerful catalyst for that growth,” said IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi. “This strategic investment allows us to accelerate our expansion in Bothell, scaling the production of the world’s most advanced quantum systems while creating thousands of high-wage, high-impact jobs. We are proud to partner with the state to ensure Washington remains at the forefront of quantum’s technological revolution.”
“Snohomish County has a deep legacy of pioneering innovation. Investments like the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund into companies like IonQ affirms our region’s leadership, uplifts the communities around us and make Snohomish County and Washington state the epicenter for the future’s most important innovations,” said Ray Stephanson, Economic Alliance Snohomish County president and CEO.
IonQ manufactures a patented type of quantum computer, which relies on individual atoms to process information. Quantum computers can provide powerful tools for solving specific, complex problems that regular computers struggle to handle.
Revenue for the SRF comes from unclaimed lottery prize money. The funds are intended to attract and retain jobs and economic investment in Washington, limited to highly strategic projects that deliver significant job creation and capital investment. These projects were considered in partnership with local associate development organizations (ADOs), and they must be accompanied by private investment. The Governor determines awards based on recommendations from
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