The deal pairs HRL’s silicon-spin qubit research with IBM’s superconducting quantum architecture, forming a dual-track hardware strategy.
IBM on Aug. 26 announced it has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC, a research and development institution whose expertise spans quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing and materials science.
The acquisition pairs two organizations with complementary strengths: HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits alongside IBM’s leadership in superconducting quantum computing. HRL also brings capabilities in quantum sensing, quantum materials, cryogenics, control electronics, packaging and interconnect technologies that IBM said are expected to strengthen its quantum hardware roadmap.
IBM continues to advance its superconducting-qubit architecture through developments in hardware, error correction, software and algorithms aimed at more capable quantum systems. The company’s roadmap includes IBM Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant quantum computer expected to perform 100 million quantum operations by 2029 — a significant increase in computational capability over today’s quantum computers. IBM said Starling will be followed by Blue Jay, its next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computer, targeted for the mid-2030s.
The acquisition also extends IBM’s investment in quantum manufacturing and infrastructure. HRL’s silicon-based quantum technologies open potential collaboration with Anderon, IBM’s dedicated quantum wafer foundry, supporting scalable manufacturing and faster development cycles across multiple quantum computing approaches.
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Boeing and General Motors, HRL’s former owners, will continue partnering with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
HRL’s Malibu, California, campus includes on-site semiconductor growth tools, a 10,000-square-foot nanofabrication cleanroom, high-performance computing resources for theory and simulation, and cryogenic test-and-measurement labs. The site has a long research history, having originated inventions including the self-aligned gate MOSFET and the world’s first laser.
