Intel to Acquire Classiq to Build a Full-Stack Quantum Computing Platform
Intel Corporation has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Classiq, a leading quantum computing software company, in a move aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of quantum computing technology. The proposed acquisition would combine Classiq’s advanced quantum software platform with Intel’s silicon spin-qubit technology, semiconductor manufacturing expertise and existing software capabilities to create a comprehensive quantum computing solution.
The combination is expected to simplify quantum application development, making the technology more accessible to developers, researchers, businesses and enterprises. By integrating hardware and software capabilities, Intel aims to establish a full-stack quantum computing business and expand its portfolio of computing technologies.
Quantum computing has the potential to address complex computational problems that are difficult for conventional computers to solve efficiently. However, developing practical quantum applications remains challenging because it requires specialized knowledge of quantum algorithms, circuits and hardware architectures. Intel believes that combining its semiconductor expertise with Classiq’s software platform could help overcome these barriers and support broader industry adoption.
Bringing Quantum Computing Closer to Mainstream Use
The proposed acquisition reflects Intel’s strategy of making quantum computing easier to develop and deploy through an integrated technology platform.
Historically, innovations in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) transformed semiconductor development by allowing engineers to design increasingly complex chips without managing every underlying hardware detail manually. These software tools helped standardize design processes and made advanced computing systems more scalable.
Classiq aims to play a comparable role in quantum computing. Its platform enables developers to design and synthesize quantum algorithms using higher-level abstractions rather than manually constructing every quantum circuit. The software is designed to operate independently of specific qubit technologies, helping developers create quantum applications without being restricted to a single hardware architecture.
This hardware-agnostic approach could make it easier to develop applications that can be adapted to different quantum computing systems. It also supports a more collaborative software ecosystem in which developers, research institutions and businesses can build quantum applications using a common development environment.
By integrating Classiq’s capabilities with its own technology, Intel aims to help quantum computing move beyond specialized, manually designed experiments toward a more accessible and scalable computing model.
Combining Intel’s Semiconductor Expertise With Classiq’s Software
Intel has invested in quantum computing research and development since 2015, focusing on silicon spin-qubit technology and the supporting infrastructure required to operate quantum processors.
Silicon spin qubits use the quantum properties of electrons in silicon-based structures to represent and process information. The approach draws on established semiconductor manufacturing techniques, potentially offering advantages in fabrication scalability and integration with existing chip production processes.
Intel has also developed cryogenic control electronics designed to operate in the extremely low temperatures required by quantum systems. These components are essential for controlling and measuring qubits while managing the complex engineering requirements of quantum computing hardware.
Classiq’s software technology complements these efforts by automating the development and optimization of quantum algorithms. Its platform helps translate high-level application requirements into quantum circuits that can be adapted for execution on compatible quantum hardware.
The proposed combination would bring together Intel’s silicon spin-qubit technology, semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and quantum systems engineering with Classiq’s automated quantum algorithm synthesis platform.
This integrated approach could allow Intel to provide customers with a more complete set of quantum computing tools, covering software development, hardware architecture and the manufacturing technologies needed to support future systems.
Expanding Intel’s Computing Portfolio
The acquisition would support Intel’s ambition to become a full-stack quantum computing solutions provider. The company already operates across several major computing categories, including Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).
Adding Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) to this portfolio would expand Intel’s presence in emerging computing technologies.
Unlike conventional processors, quantum processors use quantum-mechanical properties to perform certain types of computations. They are not expected to replace CPUs or GPUs across all applications. Instead, quantum systems could eventually complement conventional computing infrastructure by addressing selected problems that are particularly suitable for quantum approaches.
A full-stack platform could help organizations explore these possibilities through a combination of quantum software, specialized hardware and supporting development tools.
For enterprises and research organizations, an integrated platform could simplify experimentation and reduce some of the technical complexity associated with building quantum applications. However, the practical benefits will depend on continued advances in hardware reliability, error correction, system scalability and the availability of useful commercial applications.
Leadership Perspectives on the Acquisition
Intel Chief Executive Officer Lip-Bu Tan welcomed the proposed acquisition, highlighting the company’s progress in quantum computing and the opportunity to combine its semiconductor and manufacturing expertise with Classiq’s software capabilities.
Tan said the addition of Classiq would help transform Intel’s Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business, strengthening its ability to develop integrated solutions.
Nir Minerbi, co-founder and chief executive officer of Classiq, emphasized the company’s mission to make quantum computing practical and accessible. He explained that Classiq has focused on enabling developers, researchers and enterprises to build scalable quantum applications without requiring extensive expertise in quantum circuit design.
Minerbi said the combination of Intel and Classiq could help unlock the potential of quantum computing and accelerate its adoption.
The leadership teams believe the partnership can support a more accessible development environment while maintaining flexibility across different quantum hardware platforms.
Maintaining an Open Quantum Software Ecosystem
Following the completion of the transaction, Intel intends to continue supporting Classiq’s existing integrations with multiple quantum computing platforms.
The company has indicated that it plans to preserve Classiq’s hardware-agnostic approach, allowing the software to remain compatible with a broad range of quantum technologies rather than limiting it exclusively to Intel hardware.
Maintaining these integrations could be important for customers and developers who rely on flexibility when selecting quantum processors for research and application development.
An open and collaborative software ecosystem may also encourage wider participation from hardware manufacturers, software developers, universities and enterprise customers. Such collaboration could help accelerate the development of tools, applications and standards needed for the quantum computing industry to mature.
Acquisition Timeline and Closing Conditions
Intel’s proposed acquisition of Classiq remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The companies expect the transaction to close during the first half of 2027.
Until the acquisition is completed, Intel and Classiq will continue to operate as separate and independent companies.
The announcement does not establish that the transaction has closed, and the expected timeline may change depending on regulatory reviews, transaction requirements and other developments.
About Intel
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) is a global semiconductor and computing technology company that develops processors, semiconductor products and computing platforms for businesses and consumers. Its technologies support applications across cloud computing, networks, edge systems and personal computing devices.
The company focuses on advancing semiconductor design and manufacturing to address increasingly complex computing requirements. Its work spans processor architectures, manufacturing processes and technologies designed to improve computing performance and efficiency.
For more information, visit Intel Newsroom or Intel’s official website.
About Classiq
Classiq is a quantum computing software company that develops tools for creating and optimizing quantum applications. Its enterprise-focused platform combines AI agents, a high-level quantum modeling language and automated design capabilities to help developers build quantum software more efficiently.
The platform supports quantum algorithm synthesis, hardware benchmarking, cost and performance optimization, and execution across compatible quantum hardware systems. By simplifying the development process, Classiq aims to make quantum computing more accessible to enterprises, researchers and software developers.
Forward-Looking Statements
The proposed acquisition involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from expectations. These include the possibility of delays or failure to complete the transaction, regulatory approval requirements, potential litigation, the retention of key personnel and customers, and the diversion of management attention during the acquisition process.
Additional uncertainties relate to the technological and commercial challenges of quantum computing, including the timing of adoption, the development of viable applications and the ability to realize anticipated benefits. Competition, rapid technological change and other risks described in Intel’s regulatory filings may also affect the outcome.
Intel cautions readers against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views as of the announcement date. Except where required by law, the company does not undertake an obligation to update these statements in response to future developments.
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