IBM has signed a definitive agreement to acquire HRL Laboratories, the research center jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors. The deal will bring in IBM specialists in spin qubits on silicon, quantum sensors, advanced materials, cryogenics, and control electronics, although the companies have not disclosed the purchase price.
The key points of the HRL Laboratories acquisition in 20 seconds
- IBM will acquire the research lab owned by Boeing and General Motors.
- HRL specializes in spin qubits fabricated using silicon technologies.
- IBM will continue to use its primary architecture based on superconducting qubits.
- The acquisition also enhances its capabilities in sensors, materials, and quantum communications.
- The closing is expected before the end of Q3 2026.
This move does not mean IBM will abandon the superconducting qubits that form the basis of its current quantum computers. The company views HRL’s technology as a complementary approach that could provide new insights into manufacturing, interconnection, and scaling of systems over the next decade.
Boeing and General Motors will cease to be owners of the lab once the transaction is complete, but both companies will continue collaborating with IBM on quantum applications and advanced technology development. The deal still needs to clear usual closing conditions and receive the necessary regulatory approvals.
IBM adds a second qubit technology
Quantum computers process information using qubits, which are highly sensitive to noise and environmental interactions. Various methods exist for fabricating them, but none have yet solved all the technical challenges needed to build large, stable, and fault-tolerant systems.
IBM’s strategy has focused on superconducting qubits. These circuits operate at extremely low temperatures and are controlled via microwave signals. This is one of the most advanced quantum technologies, but increasing the number of qubits also requires solving issues related to wiring, cooling, connectivity, and error correction.
HRL specializes, among other fields, in spin qubits on silicon. This approach uses the quantum state of electrons trapped in small semiconductor structures known as quantum dots.
Their appeal lies in the fact that these structures can be fabricated using processes related to the silicon industry. Additionally, the devices can be made very small, which could help integrate a large number of qubits in a limited space.
This does not mean they can be produced immediately as standard processors. Spin qubits also require cryogenic temperatures, high-precision control, and systems capable of maintaining their quantum state long enough to perform operations.
HRL has developed an architecture of encoded qubits based on three electron spins. In 2023, they demonstrated universal control over this type of device, fabricated in their Malibu cleanroom using silicon and silicon-germanium structures.
The acquisition will allow IBM to explore different parts of the system in parallel. The company can compare manufacturing, control, and connection approaches without having to replace its superconducting architecture or commit to spin qubits as a product.
Quantum sensors and materials beyond the quantum computer
HRL isn’t solely focused on building quantum processors. Its activities also include advanced sensors, photonics, high-speed electronics, communications, manufacturing, cryogenics, and new materials.
IBM particularly highlights quantum sensing, a field that exploits quantum phenomena to measure tiny variations in magnetic fields, acceleration, time, gravity, or other physical quantities.
These sensors could be applied in navigation, scientific research, biomedicine, and defense. For example, highly precise measurements could help navigation where GPS signals are unavailable or detect physical signals too weak for conventional sensors.
The acquisition also brings expertise in compact atomic clocks, superconducting photon detectors, silicon carbide photonic devices, and portable quantum optical systems.
Another area of HRL’s work involves materials that can improve semiconductor and sensor performance. IBM believes this experience will benefit both its quantum projects and other computing and communication areas.
The announcement also mentions capabilities in packaging, interconnections between qubits, and control electronics. While these components receive less attention than the processor itself, they are essential for building a functional machine.
Increasing the number of qubits without efficient connections or electronics capable of controlling them does not automatically produce a useful quantum computer. That’s why manufacturers study the entire system, from the chip material to the software executing algorithms.
The acquisition fits into IBM’s long-term roadmap through 2033
IBM aims to deliver in 2029 Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant system with 200 logical qubits capable of executing 100 million operations or quantum gates.
A logical qubit is not equivalent to a single physical qubit. It is constructed by combining multiple physical devices and applying error correction codes. This approach aims to detect and correct faults without destroying the quantum information being processed.
IBM states that Starling could perform about 20,000 times more operations than current systems. This is a projection embedded in its technology roadmap, not an immediately available or demonstrated capability at that scale.
Next would come Blue Jay, expected around 2033 or later. IBM’s goal is to reach 2,000 logical qubits and 1 billion quantum operations. Achieving these figures will require advances in chips, error correction, cryogenics, electronics, and industrial manufacturing.
The knowledge from HRL might be used in some of these components or in future architectures. IBM has not announced whether Starling will include spin qubits or combine different types of qubits within the same processor.
The acquisition appears to have a longer-term perspective. Jay Gambetta, IBM’s research director, has noted that the HRL team will strengthen the company’s plans in quantum computing, sensors, and networks for decades to come.
In May 2026, IBM announced the creation of Anderon, an independent company focused on manufacturing wafers for different quantum technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, it aims to offer more reproducible production processes to industry and research centers.
The acquisition of HRL opens the possibility of jointly developing industrial processes for spin qubits with Anderon. However, this remains a future option, with no set production schedule or announced capacity yet.
Boeing and General Motors will remain partners
HRL originated from research labs created by Hughes Aircraft. Since 1997, it has been owned by Boeing and General Motors, working on projects for commercial clients and U.S. government agencies.
The sale to IBM consolidates capabilities previously linked mainly to aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors under a single company.
Boeing and General Motors will continue working with IBM after the deal closes. The announcement does not specify concrete contracts, applications, or projects that will be maintained among the three companies.
Nor are the financial terms, the number of employees joining IBM, or potential changes to HRL facilities publicly disclosed. The lab remains based in Malibu, California, with its own infrastructure for research and experimental manufacturing.
This move increases competition for attracting specialized talent in quantum technologies. Major companies need not only physicists and algorithm specialists but also engineers in semiconductors, materials, RF, cooling, and packaging.
By acquiring HRL, IBM gains a team already working across several of these disciplines. While the purchase doesn’t solve the entire challenge of building a fault-tolerant quantum computer, it introduces a second technological pathway and capabilities that could prove useful even before the machines targeted for the next decade are realized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HRL Laboratories?
It is an American research and development lab owned by Boeing and General Motors. It works on quantum computing, sensors, materials, electronics, and advanced communications.
Will IBM stop using superconducting qubits?
No. IBM will continue to use its superconducting architecture as the foundation of its quantum plans. HRL’s spin qubits will be incorporated as a complementary technology for long-term research.
How much will IBM pay for HRL?
The companies have not disclosed the financial terms of the deal.
When will the acquisition be completed?
IBM expects to close the deal before the end of Q3 2026, provided that regulatory approvals are obtained and conditions are met.
