IBM to Acquire HRL Laboratories to Accelerate Quantum Computing Ambitions
The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
IBM has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, a leading research and development company jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors, to strengthen its long-term quantum computing strategy.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the acquisition is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
“The HRL team will help IBM push even farther forward toward the frontiers of quantum innovation. This talented group of researchers brings a broad portfolio of technologies that will strengthen IBM's long-term plans to deliver useful quantum computing to the world, bringing together advances across quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum networking to enable the applications of the future,” Jay Gambetta, IBM Director, Research and IBM Fellow, said.
The acquisition will bolster IBM's expertise in silicon-spin qubit engineering, a promising approach to building scalable quantum computers. HRL's capabilities are expected to complement IBM's existing work on superconducting qubits, with both technologies relying on advanced silicon fabrication techniques that could enable the next generation of quantum systems.
Following the acquisition, Boeing and General Motors will continue collaborating with IBM on quantum applications and advanced technology development.
“Our cutting-edge physical and information science innovations will combine with their (IBM) advanced research capabilities to deliver an unmatched suite of technology solutions for our commercial and government customers,” Rob Vasquez, HRL President and Chief Executive Officer, added.
Beyond quantum computing, HRL brings expertise in quantum sensing, advanced materials, cryogenics, control electronics, communications, and advanced manufacturing.
IBM said these capabilities will support research into quantum sensors for applications including life sciences, navigation, defense, and scientific research, while also advancing next-generation computing and communications technologies.
The deal also aligns with IBM's broader quantum roadmap. The company plans to launch IBM Quantum Starling by 2029, a fault-tolerant quantum computer designed to perform 100 million quantum operations and be 20,000 times more powerful than current systems.
Starling is expected to be followed by the Blue Jay quantum computer in the mid-2030s, with a projected capacity of 1 billion quantum operations.
IBM also noted that HRL's expertise could complement Anderon, the quantum wafer foundry it announced earlier this year, potentially accelerating the development and manufacturing of silicon spin-qubit technologies.
Recently, IBM reported second-quarter revenue of $17.16 billion, up just 1% year over year but below Wall Street expectations, while adjusted earnings of $2.93 per share also missed estimates. It also resulted in the company's steepest single-day stock decline in more than a century.
