IBM has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, a long-standing research and development organization known for its work in quantum computing, advanced sensors and materials science.
HRL, which is jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors, will become part of IBM’s research organization after the transaction closes. Boeing and GM will continue collaborating with IBM on quantum computing applications and advanced technology research following the acquisition.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. IBM expects the acquisition to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
IBM Strengthens Its Quantum Computing Strategy
The acquisition is designed to strengthen IBM’s long-term roadmap for building larger and more capable quantum computers.
HRL brings expertise in silicon-spin qubits, an alternative quantum computing architecture that complements IBM’s existing work with superconducting qubits. Both technologies rely on advanced silicon manufacturing techniques, giving IBM another path toward scaling future quantum systems.
IBM Director of Research and IBM Fellow Jay Gambetta said the HRL team will help the company continue pushing the boundaries of quantum innovation while expanding its capabilities across quantum computing, sensing and networking.
HRL President and CEO Rob Vasquez said joining IBM allows the research organization to accelerate its work while contributing its expertise to IBM’s broader quantum infrastructure and research efforts.
Research Extends Beyond Quantum Computing
The acquisition also expands IBM’s capabilities in several adjacent technologies that support next-generation computing.
HRL has developed quantum sensing technologies capable of making highly precise measurements for scientific research, navigation, defense and life sciences applications. The organization also brings experience in cryogenics, control electronics, quantum packaging and qubit interconnect technologies that are essential for building scalable quantum systems.
In addition, HRL has conducted extensive research into advanced quantum materials that could improve semiconductor performance and enable more sensitive sensing technologies.
Outside of quantum computing, the laboratory has decades of experience developing advanced communications systems, electronics, manufacturing technologies and materials for commercial customers and U.S. government programs.
Supporting IBM’s Quantum Roadmap
IBM has continued investing heavily in quantum computing infrastructure as it works toward fault-tolerant quantum computers.
The company plans to launch IBM Quantum Starling by 2029. IBM says the system will perform up to 100 million quantum operations and deliver computing capabilities far beyond today’s quantum machines.
IBM also plans to introduce its Blue Jay quantum computer during the mid-2030s, with a projected capacity of one billion quantum operations.
Earlier this year, IBM announced Anderon, a dedicated quantum wafer foundry designed to manufacture quantum chips for multiple quantum computing technologies. IBM believes HRL’s silicon-spin qubit expertise could eventually support manufacturing efforts at the facility and accelerate future quantum hardware development.
The Bottom Line
IBM’s acquisition of HRL Laboratories significantly expands its quantum research capabilities while adding expertise in silicon-spin qubits, quantum sensing and advanced materials science. The deal reinforces IBM’s long-term strategy of developing scalable quantum computing platforms and broadens the technologies supporting its roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum systems.