Insider Brief
- Intel has agreed to acquire quantum software company Classiq, combining its algorithm synthesis platform with Intel’s silicon spin-qubit hardware and software to build a full-stack quantum computing business.
- Classiq’s platform automates quantum circuit design, enabling developers to create applications without deep expertise in the underlying hardware.
- The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, with Intel planning to maintain Classiq’s support for multiple hardware platforms.
PRESS RELEASE — Intel Corporation today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Classiq, a leading provider of quantum computing software. The combination of Classiq’s synthesis platform with Intel’s spin-qubit manufacturing and existing software would create a user-friendly full-stack quantum computing platform, enabling the promising technology to mature into a mainstream computing business.
More than forty years ago, the invention of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) software transformed silicon chip design and classical computing by providing a common software platform that could abstract the ability to design chips from the complexity of the underlying hardware. Classiq plays a similar role in quantum computing, providing a unifying software platform that is agnostic to the underlying qubit modality and hardware. Providing this high-level abstraction enables quantum computing to scale beyond custom hand-crafted circuits and applications to become a mainstream computing platform.
Classiq’s synthesis platform brings complementary assets to Intel’s already strong quantum hardware and software capabilities developed over the last decade. Since 2015, Intel has been investing in the development of quantum computing, and today it is the only company capable of producing qubit chips and complex cryogenic control electronics at-scale, using equipment and processes common to conventional silicon-based semiconductor manufacturing.
The proposed acquisition of Classiq would combine Intel’s quantum software platform, scalable silicon spin-qubit technology and advanced semiconductor manufacturing expertise with Classiq’s automated quantum algorithm synthesis platform. The combination would enable Intel to become a full-stack quantum solutions provider, while also allowing the company to add Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) to its already diverse compute platform portfolio spanning Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASICs).
“I am delighted to have Nir, Yehuda, Amir and the entire Classiq team join Intel,” said Lip-Bu Tan, chief executive officer, Intel. “For more than a decade, Intel has made remarkable progress in quantum computing by applying its semiconductor innovation, advanced manufacturing prowess and systems engineering expertise to the development of scalable silicon spin-qubit technology. Joining forces with Classiq transforms Intel’s Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business.”
“Since our founding, Classiq has focused on making quantum computing practical and accessible by enabling developers, researchers and enterprises to create scalable quantum applications without requiring deep expertise in quantum circuit design,” said Nir Minerbi, co-founder and chief executive officer, Classiq. “Together, Intel and Classiq can help unlock the benefits of quantum computing and accelerate its adoption sooner.”
Following the close of the transaction, Intel intends to continue to support Classiq’s existing multi-platform integrations and ensure a modality- and hardware-agnostic software solution that continues to enable an open and collaborative quantum software ecosystem. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2027. Until closing, Intel and Classiq will continue to operate as separate, independent companies.