Intel to Acquire Quantum Software Firm Classiq for Around $2.3 Billion
Intel agrees to acquire Israeli quantum computing software company Classiq in a deal estimated by Bloomberg at around $2.3 billion, without confirmation from the company.
Intel Corporation has agreed to acquire Israel-based Classiq, a specialist in quantum computing software, without disclosing the deal's value. Bloomberg estimated the transaction at around $2.3 billion, citing people familiar with the matter, while Intel declined to comment on the figure, according to tech platform The Next Web.
Quantum computers use units known as qubits to process certain problems, such as molecular simulation, at speeds vastly superior to conventional chips, but writing software for them remains difficult and typically requires specialists. Classiq's platform allows developers to describe what they want the program to do, and then automatically designs the appropriate quantum circuit for them, similar to how chip design software works, and functions across various types of quantum hardware, counting BMW and HSBC among its clients.
Intel has been working on quantum computing since 2015, building silicon-based qubits using the same equipment employed for standard chips. Integrating Classiq will give the company what is known in the industry as a full stack, meaning the processors and software required to use them together. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan stated that adding Classiq transforms the company's quantum computing unit into an end-to-end quantum computing business.
Intel confirmed it will keep Classiq's software compatible with quantum hardware from other vendors, and that Classiq will become its global development hub for quantum computing. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Classiq was founded by CEO Nir Minerbi, Amir Naveh, and Yehuda Naveh, raising just over $200 million and receiving a valuation of around $600 million to $700 million in 2025, according to Calcalist citing Ynet.
What do these terms mean?
Quantum computing: A processing method relying on subatomic physical properties rather than traditional bits, used for complex problems like molecular simulation.
Qubit: The fundamental unit of information in a quantum computer, differing from a standard bit in its ability to represent multiple states simultaneously.
Quantum circuit: A sequence of operations performed by a quantum computer to solve a specific problem, constructed via software before execution on hardware.
Full stack: Providing hardware and software together from a single vendor, rather than relying on separate companies for each component.
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