IBM has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, a research and development company jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Boeing and General Motors will continue working with IBM on quantum applications and advanced technology development following the acquisition.
HRL develops technologies across quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced electronics, communications, manufacturing and materials science. Its work supports both commercial organizations and U.S. government customers.
IBM expects HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits to complement its existing work with superconducting quantum processors.
A qubit is the basic unit of information in a quantum computer. IBM’s current systems primarily use superconducting circuits, while silicon-spin qubits store information using the quantum state of electrons in semiconductor materials.
Both approaches can use advanced silicon fabrication techniques, potentially creating opportunities to share manufacturing, packaging and infrastructure expertise.
IBM said it remains committed to superconducting qubits as the foundation of its primary quantum computing roadmap. HRL’s spin-qubit research could provide additional insights into how quantum systems may be scaled during the next decade.
The acquisition will also add expertise in cryogenics, control electronics, qubit interconnections and packaging. These technologies are necessary to operate quantum processors at scale and connect individual components without introducing excessive noise or errors.
HRL’s quantum sensing work includes highly sensitive instruments designed to detect small physical changes and produce precise measurements.
Potential applications include life sciences, navigation, defense and scientific research.
IBM also expects HRL’s research into quantum materials to support the development of improved semiconductors and more sensitive sensors. Materials with specialized quantum properties could enhance the performance of computing, sensing and communications systems.
HRL will bring additional capabilities in high-speed and high-power communications, advanced manufacturing and mission-critical electronic systems.
The acquisition supports IBM’s goal of developing large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of correcting errors during complex calculations.
IBM plans to deliver Quantum Starling in 2029. The company expects the system to be approximately 20,000 times more powerful than current quantum computers and capable of executing 100 million quantum operations.
IBM plans to follow Starling with a more powerful system called Blue Jay during the mid-2030s. Blue Jay is projected to support one billion quantum operations.
In May 2026, IBM announced plans to establish Anderon as a standalone quantum wafer foundry with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Anderon is intended to manufacture wafers for different quantum computing technologies and companies. IBM said HRL could work closely with the foundry, potentially including development of manufacturing processes for spin qubits.
The combination could help IBM move quantum technologies from laboratory research into repeatable industrial production.
HRL is headquartered in Malibu, California. Its owners established the organization as an advanced research institution supporting long-term scientific and engineering programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“The HRL team will help IBM push even farther forward toward 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.”
Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow
“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.”
Rob Vasquez, President and CEO of HRL Laboratories
