IBM Completes Acquisition of HRL Laboratories to Accelerate the Future of Quantum

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced it has completed the acquisition of HRL Laboratories, a research and development institution with expertise spanning quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science. The deal combines IBM’s superconducting quantum computing leadership with HRL’s strengths in silicon-spin qubits and related technologies.

According to IBM, HRL adds capabilities in quantum materials, cryogenics, control electronics, packaging, and interconnects that are expected to support IBM’s quantum hardware roadmap. The acquisition aligns with IBM’s plans for fault-tolerant systems such as IBM Quantum Starling, targeted around 2029, and Blue Jay in the mid-2030s, and complements collaboration opportunities with Anderon, IBM’s pure-play quantum wafer foundry. Boeing and General Motors, HRL’s former owners, will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum and advanced technology applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Positive

• Completion of HRL Laboratories acquisition adds extensive quantum R&D capabilities
• HRL expertise in silicon-spin qubits complements IBM superconducting quantum focus
• Additional capabilities in sensing, materials, cryogenics, and control electronics
• Supports IBM roadmap for fault-tolerant systems Starling and Blue Jay
• Creates collaboration opportunities with Anderon quantum wafer foundry
• Ongoing partnerships with Boeing and GM on quantum applications

Negative

• None.

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The combination brings together complementary expertise in quantum computing, sensing, materials science, and advanced technologies to accelerate future innovation

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC (HRL), a leading research and development institution whose expertise spans quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science.

The acquisition brings together two leading organizations with a shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of science and technology. HRL's expertise in silicon-spin qubits complements IBM's leadership in superconducting quantum computing. HRL also brings capabilities in quantum sensing, quantum materials, cryogenics, control electronics, packaging, and interconnect technologies that are expected to strengthen IBM's quantum hardware roadmap and support continued innovation across the quantum technology stack.

IBM continues to advance superconducting-qubit architectures through breakthroughs in hardware, error correction, software, and algorithms designed to enable increasingly capable quantum systems. IBM's roadmap includes its fault-tolerant quantum computer IBM Quantum Starling, expected by 2029 to perform 100 million quantum operations and deliver significantly greater computational capability than today's quantum computers. Starling is expected to be followed by Blue Jay, IBM's next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computer, targeted for the mid-2030s.

The acquisition also complements IBM's broader innovation and investment in quantum manufacturing and infrastructure. HRL's expertise in silicon-based quantum technologies creates opportunities for future collaboration with Anderon, IBM's pure-play quantum wafer foundry, supporting scalable manufacturing approaches and accelerating learning cycles across multiple quantum computing modalities.

Boeing and General Motors, HRL's former owners, will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

To learn more about IBM's acquisition and history of HRL, read here.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:

Tim Davidson
IBM
tfdavids@us.ibm.com 

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

What did IBM (IBM) announce about HRL Laboratories on August 26, 2026?

IBM announced it completed the acquisition of HRL Laboratories on August 26, 2026, adding broad quantum and advanced technology expertise. According to IBM, HRL brings strengths in quantum computing, sensing, communications, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science to support IBM’s long-term quantum technology roadmap.

How does the HRL Laboratories acquisition support IBM (IBM) quantum computing roadmap?

The HRL acquisition is intended to strengthen IBM’s quantum hardware roadmap by adding silicon-spin qubit, sensing, materials, and cryogenic expertise. According to IBM, these capabilities are expected to support future fault-tolerant systems and innovation across the full quantum technology stack, from devices to control electronics.

What quantum systems has IBM (IBM) highlighted alongside the HRL acquisition?

IBM highlighted IBM Quantum Starling, a planned fault-tolerant quantum computer expected around 2029, and Blue Jay, targeted for the mid‑2030s. According to IBM, these systems aim to perform large numbers of quantum operations and deliver greater capability than today’s quantum computers.

How do IBM (IBM) and HRL Laboratories’ quantum technologies complement each other?

HRL focuses on silicon-spin qubits and related silicon-based quantum technologies, while IBM leads in superconducting qubit architectures. According to IBM, combining these approaches, plus HRL’s work in sensing, materials, and control, is expected to enhance IBM’s quantum hardware development and manufacturing strategies.

Will Boeing and General Motors remain involved with HRL after IBM (IBM) acquires it?

Yes, Boeing and General Motors, HRL’s former owners, will continue partnering with IBM and HRL after the acquisition. According to IBM, these partnerships will focus on quantum applications and advanced technology development, maintaining HRL’s role as a collaborative research institution.

Did IBM (IBM) disclose financial terms of the HRL Laboratories acquisition?

No, IBM did not disclose the financial terms of the HRL Laboratories acquisition. According to IBM, the announcement focuses on combining complementary quantum and advanced technology capabilities and how HRL’s expertise is expected to support IBM’s long-term quantum hardware and manufacturing roadmap.