IBM to acquire HRL Laboratories to boost quantum computing capabilities

IBM has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a US-based research and development (R&D) entity jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors (GM).

The acquisition is intended to bolster IBM's work in quantum technologies. Following the completion of the deal, Boeing and GM will retain partnerships with IBM for quantum applications and advanced technology development. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Strategic Value of HRL Laboratories

HRL is recognized for its expertise in silicon-spin qubit engineering, which IBM says will complement its ongoing efforts to develop more advanced quantum computers. Both spin qubits and superconducting qubits rely on advanced silicon fabrication, and IBM notes that these shared foundations support the scalability of quantum technologies.

Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research, commented:

"The HRL team will help IBM push even farther forward towards the frontiers of quantum innovation. 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."

HRL contributes expertise across multiple fields, including:

• Quantum computing
• Sensors
• High-speed and high-power communications
• Advanced manufacturing
• Electronics
• Materials science

With a history of R&D for both commercial and US government clients, HRL is expected to provide IBM with additional resources for research into quantum materials and new sensor technologies.

Rob Vasquez, President and CEO of HRL, stated:

"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. 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."

Expected Outcomes and Timeline

IBM expects the HRL acquisition to help:

• Industrialize quantum sensing
• Advance work on quantum materials, including devices that could improve semiconductor performance and sensor sensitivity

The company also highlighted the opportunity for closer collaboration with Anderon, a pure-play quantum wafer foundry established by IBM in 2026 with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions and is expected to close by the end of Q3 2026.

Recent IBM Developments

Earlier this week, IBM reported its second-quarter 2026 earnings, posting a flat year-over-year net income of $2.2 billion. For the three months ending June 30, the company generated $17.2 billion in revenue, matching its performance from the same period in 2025.

IBM also recently announced a series of updates to its software development platform, IBM Bob, including expanded multi-agent features, improved analytics, and new pre-built workflows aimed at supporting enterprise modernization initiatives.

This article was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.