Intel announces the acquisition of Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq, with the transaction expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. This acquisition will integrate Classiq's quantum algorithm software platform with Intel's silicon-based quantum bit hardware capabilities, creating a full-stack quantum computing business that covers both hardware and software, and addressing Intel's shortcomings in the area of quantum software.
Intel Corporation has agreed to acquire the Israeli startup Classiq in an attempt to compete for dominance in next-generation computing technology.
On Sunday, October 26th, Intel announced that it has reached a final agreement to acquire the Israeli startup Classiq. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Intel has not disclosed the acquisition price.
CEO Chen Liwu stated that this merger will transform Intel's quantum computing division into a 'full-stack quantum computing business'.
Classiq was jointly founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi, Yehuda, and Amir. Its headquarters are located in Tel Aviv, Israel. To date, the company has raised over $200 million in financing and currently employs approximately 130 people. Its clients include large enterprises such as the BMW Group and AT &T.
This acquisition will integrate Classiq's quantum algorithm automatic synthesis platform with Intel's capabilities in the manufacturing of silicon-based spin quantum bits (spin qubit) and low-temperature control electronic devices, enabling Intel to become a full-stack solution provider that can offer both quantum hardware and software.
Compensate for software weaknesses and build a quantum full-stack platform
Intel has been deeply involved in the field of quantum computing for over a decade, focusing on spin quantum bit technology. It claims to be the only company currently capable of mass-producing quantum bit chips and complex low-temperature control electronic devices using traditional silicon-based semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.
However, Intel, which excels in hardware strength, has a clear gap in quantum software, and Classiq precisely fills this void.
The core product of Classiq is a unified software platform that is independent of the underlying quantum bit modalities and hardware. By integrating artificial intelligence tools, advanced quantum modeling languages, and design automation capabilities, developers, researchers, and enterprises can create scalable quantum applications without having to master in-depth knowledge of quantum circuit design.
Intel compares it to the transformation that electronic design automation (EDA) and computer-aided design (CAD) software brought to the traditional chip design industry forty years ago; these technologies abstracted hardware complexity (Abstracting hardware complexity), enabling integrated circuit design to evolve from a niche specialty to a scaled industrial sector.
Upon the completion of this acquisition, Intel's computing platform product portfolio will extend beyond its current offerings of CPU, GPU, and custom integrated circuits (ASIC) to include quantum processing units (QPU).
Intel accelerates its quantum computing efforts, aiming to seize the opportunity in emerging markets
Intel CEO Chen Liwu stated in a statement:
Merging with Classiq will transform Intel's quantum computing business unit into a full-stack quantum computing business.
In his statement, Chen Liwu also mentioned that Classiq, co-founder Nir Minerbi, and the entire team have officially joined Intel.
The announcement of this acquisition came on the eve of Intel's third-quarter financial report release. Under the leadership of Chen Liwu, Intel has initially stabilized its previously strained financial situation and is seeking to regain market share in the field of artificial intelligence computing that has been eroded by competitors.
Quantum computing is seen as another potential major opportunity, and Intel's move is aimed at ensuring it does not miss out on this emerging field. Nir Minerbi indicates:
This revolution is a process of transformation from science to engineering. When you think of engineering, you think of Intel.
The commercialization of quantum computing holds great prospects, but the challenges remain immense.
Quantum computing utilizes the quantum properties of subatomic particles to accelerate data processing and, in principle, is capable of tackling complex problems that are difficult for traditional computers to solve.
Currently, many companies, including large tech firms, are actively exploring the commercial potential of quantum computing, but the large-scale deployment of this technology still faces extremely high barriers due to hardware complexity.
Intel clearly stated in the announcement that quantum computing is positioned to work in conjunction with traditional computing, rather than completely replacing existing computing architectures.
The platform with Classiq will continue to maintain compatibility with multiple quantum hardware platforms after the transaction is completed – including hardware from Intel's competitors – thereby sustaining its established open ecosystem position in the industry.
Intel also noted in the announcement that there are risks such as the inability to complete transactions in a timely manner, regulatory approval failures, and the inability to achieve expected synergistic benefits. At the same time, it pointed out that there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the commercialization timeline and market size of quantum computing technology.
Edit / stephen
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