IBM to Acquire HRL Laboratories to Power the Future of Quantum
| Source: IBM Newsroom AI
Tags: IBM, HRL Laboratories, quantum computing, silicon-spin qubits, acquisition, Boeing, General Motors
IBM signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, a Boeing-GM joint R&D institution, adding silicon-spin qubit engineering and quantum sensing to complement IBM's superconducting qubit program and extend its quantum computing roadmap.
Details
IBM announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories from joint owners Boeing and General Motors. HRL specializes in silicon-spin qubit engineering — a physically distinct approach from IBM's current superconducting qubit platform — and both Boeing and GM will retain application partnerships with IBM after the deal closes. The strategic rationale is qubit modality diversification. Silicon-spin and superconducting qubits share advanced silicon fabrication infrastructure, making them compatible in a unified manufacturing pipeline. HRL also brings quantum sensing capabilities spanning navigation, life sciences, and defense applications, plus quantum networking research — extending IBM's quantum roadmap well beyond computing alone. IBM Research Director Jay Gambetta said HRL will help IBM push toward the frontiers of quantum innovation. HRL CEO Rob Vasquez called the acquisition the natural next chapter for the lab. Financial terms were not disclosed; HRL was a private joint venture between Boeing and GM with no transaction price revealed in the announcement.