IBM has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, LLC, a renowned research and development organization recognized for its work in quantum technologies, advanced materials and next-generation electronics. The acquisition is expected to strengthen IBM’s long-term quantum computing roadmap while expanding its capabilities in quantum sensing, semiconductor research and advanced manufacturing.
HRL Laboratories, jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors has spent decades developing cutting-edge technologies for commercial industries and U.S. government programs. Following the completion of the transaction, both Boeing and General Motors will continue collaborating with IBM on quantum applications and advanced technology development.
The acquisition reflects IBM’s continued investment in building increasingly powerful quantum computers while broadening its research into emerging quantum technologies that could shape future scientific and industrial applications.
“The HRL team will help IBM push even farther forward toward the frontiers of quantum innovation,” said Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Director of Research and IBM Fellow. “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.”
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Bringing Complementary Quantum Expertise Together
IBM explained that HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubit engineering will complement its existing work in superconducting quantum processors. While IBM continues to advance superconducting qubit technology, silicon spin qubits represent another promising pathway toward building larger and more scalable quantum computers. Because both approaches leverage advanced silicon fabrication techniques, IBM believes the combined expertise can accelerate research into scalable quantum architectures capable of solving increasingly complex computational challenges.
The acquisition also broadens IBM’s research portfolio beyond quantum computing. HRL has developed technologies in quantum sensing, quantum materials, cryogenic systems, control electronics, qubit packaging and interconnect technologies that could enhance future quantum hardware platforms. According to IBM, these capabilities are expected to support its quantum research program for many years while opening opportunities across scientific research, healthcare, navigation, defense and industrial applications.
Expanding Quantum Sensing and Advanced Materials Research
Beyond quantum computing, HRL has developed highly sensitive quantum sensors capable of measuring extremely small physical changes with exceptional precision. Such technologies have the potential to support applications ranging from life sciences and autonomous navigation to national security and scientific exploration.
The laboratory has also conducted extensive research into novel quantum materials that could contribute to the development of improved semiconductors and highly sensitive sensing technologies. IBM believes these innovations may help improve the performance, reliability and scalability of future quantum systems.
HRL also brings decades of experience in advanced sensors, high-speed communications, electronics, advanced manufacturing and materials science, providing IBM with additional expertise across several strategically important research areas.
“Joining IBM is the natural next chapter for what we have built at HRL, where our team has dedicated years to exploring paths to how future quantum computers could be built at scales that today seem impossible,” said Rob Vasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer at HRL.
“We now look forward to leveraging IBM’s industry leadership and working alongside their world-class talent on fundamental infrastructure to take this vision forward. Additionally, our cutting-edge physical and information science innovations will combine with their advanced research capabilities to deliver an unmatched suite of technology solutions for our commercial and government customers.”
Supporting IBM’s Long-Term Quantum Roadmap
IBM said the acquisition aligns with its long-term roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum computing. The company continues to advance superconducting quantum computing architectures through developments in quantum error correction and new quantum algorithms designed to tackle increasingly complex computational problems.
IBM has previously outlined plans to deliver IBM Quantum Starling by 2029, which it expects will be capable of performing approximately 100 million quantum operations and significantly exceed the capabilities of today’s quantum systems. The company also plans to introduce the more advanced Blue Jay quantum computer during the mid-2030s as part of its long-term quantum roadmap.
IBM believes HRL’s expertise in silicon-based spin qubit platforms could provide valuable insights as the company continues exploring multiple approaches to scaling future quantum computers.
Building a Broader Quantum Manufacturing Ecosystem
The acquisition also complements IBM’s recent efforts to strengthen quantum manufacturing capabilities. Earlier this year, IBM announced plans to establish Anderon, which it describes as the world’s first pure-play quantum wafer foundry. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the facility is intended to provide scalable manufacturing capabilities for multiple quantum computing technologies.
IBM said HRL’s expertise could create additional opportunities for collaboration with Anderon, particularly in developing scalable spin qubit manufacturing processes and accelerating innovation across the quantum hardware ecosystem.
Transaction Expected to Close in Q3 2026
Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. IBM expects the acquisition of HRL Laboratories to be completed before the end of the third quarter of 2026.
With this proposed acquisition, IBM continues expanding its research capabilities across quantum computing, sensing, materials science and advanced semiconductor technologies as it pursues the next generation of scalable quantum systems.
