IBM Completes Acquisition of HRL Laboratories, Boosts Quantum Ecosystem

IBM has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC (HRL), a California-based research and development institution. The deal combines IBM's expertise in superconducting quantum computing with HRL's expertise in silicon-spin qubits and other advanced technologies.

The acquisition brings together complementary skills in areas such as quantum sensing, materials science, and advanced communications. This is expected to strengthen IBM's quantum hardware roadmap and support continued innovation across the quantum technology stack.

IBM's roadmap includes its fault-tolerant quantum computer, IBM Quantum Starling, which is expected by 2029 to perform 100 million quantum operations and deliver significantly greater computational capability than today's quantum computers. The company also plans to develop a next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computer called Blue Jay, targeted for the mid-2030s.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Boeing and General Motors, HRL's former owners, will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development.