IBM (IBM.US) strengthens quantum computing: acquires HRL Laboratories to build a "superconducting + spin" dual strategy

According to Zhitong Finance APP, on Thursday local time, IBM (IBM.US) announced that it has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a private quantum computing research institution jointly owned by Boeing (BA.US) and General Motors (GM.US).

This move marks IBM’s formal establishment of a “dual-track” strategy in quantum computing. In addition to its long-term focus on the superconducting route, it adds silicon-based electron spin qubit technology as a second pillar. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, but IBM did not disclose the specific acquisition price.

HRL Laboratories was originally the research division of aerospace company Hughes Aircraft, headquartered near Malibu, California, and has a world-class team in silicon spin qubit engineering. Jay Gambetta, IBM’s Director of Research, stated that HRL’s spin qubit team is “among the best in the world,” and its technology will complement IBM's existing approaches.

“My team and I firmly believe that the future belongs to electron spin, superconducting, or some combination of the two. I would not invest in a second route without foundational integrability,”said Gambetta.

Currently, there is still divergence in quantum computing hardware approaches, with global enterprises and laboratories simultaneously exploring about six different quantum circuit fabrication methods. IBM and Google (GOOGL.US) have always been the main proponents of superconducting circuits.

Gambetta pointed out that both superconducting and silicon spin qubits can leverage conventional chip manufacturing equipment, but spin circuits can be made much smaller than superconducting circuits. This feature will play a key role when IBM delivers its superconducting chip-based “Blue Jay” system in 2033.

After the acquisition, the HRL team will join IBM’s advanced chip factory in New York State for production. Gambetta also revealed that IBM already has an “alternative path” for spin qubit technology internally, and will soon make it public. This means that, following Google’s introduction of neutral atom technology earlier this year, IBM has also embarked on a multi-route breakthrough path in quantum computing.

Boeing and General Motors stated that after the transaction is completed, they will continue to cooperate with IBM in quantum applications and advanced technology development.

Behind this strategic layout is the increasingly fierce quantum race and government support. In May this year, the Trump administration announced a grant of $1 billion to IBM to establish a chip factory in Albany, New York, named Anderon, specifically to serve U.S. quantum computing companies.

In terms of financial performance, IBM released its third-quarter earnings results this Wednesday and simultaneously lowered its full-year performance expectations. As a result, IBM’s stock price fell more than 2% at one point on Thursday.