Abstract:
Intel announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Classiq, a leading provider of quantum computing software. Combining Classiq's comprehensive platform with Intel's spin qubit manufacturing capabilities and existing software will create an easy-to-use, full-stack quantum computing platform that will help this promising technology mature and become a mainstream computing business.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said: "I am delighted that Nir, Yehuda, Amir and the entire Classiq team are joining Intel. For more than a decade, Intel has applied its expertise in semiconductor innovation, advanced manufacturing and systems engineering to the development of scalable silicon spin qubit technology and has made significant progress in the field of quantum computing. Joining hands with Classiq will promote the transformation of Intel's quantum computing business into a full-stack quantum computing business."
The advent of electronic design automation (EDA) and computer-aided design (CAD) software more than four decades ago revolutionized silicon chip design and classical computing by providing the industry with a common software platform that separated chip design from the complexity of the underlying hardware. Classiq plays a similar role in the field of quantum computing. It provides a unified software platform that is not limited by the underlying qubit type and hardware, allowing quantum computing to break through the limitations of customized, hand-designed circuits and applications, and gradually develop into a mainstream computing platform.
The acquisition will integrate Intel's quantum software platform, scalable silicon spin qubit technology and advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities with Classiq's integrated platform for automated quantum algorithms. The combination of the two parties will enable Intel to become a full-stack quantum solutions provider while adding quantum processors (QPUs) to its diversified computing platform portfolio that already covers central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, after which Intel and Classiq will continue to operate as two independent companies. Intel plans to continue to support Classiq’s existing multi-platform integration and ensure that its software solutions are not limited by qubit type and hardware, and continue to promote the construction of an open and collaborative quantum software ecosystem.
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