Key facts
- IBM is acquiring HRL Laboratories, a quantum computing research lab.
- HRL Laboratories is jointly owned by Boeing and General Motors.
- The acquisition diversifies IBM's quantum computing technology by adding electron spin qubits.
- HRL's technology is compatible with existing chip fabrication equipment.
- IBM aims to integrate HRL's spin qubit team and technology into its quantum computing roadmap.
IBM has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a private quantum computing research lab jointly owned by Boeing Co and General Motors, in a move that adds a second technological pillar to the company's quantum computing strategy. The acquisition aims to integrate HRL's expertise in electron spin quantum circuits, known as qubits, with IBM's existing focus on superconducting qubits.
While the exact price of the deal was not disclosed, Boeing and General Motors will continue to partner with IBM on quantum technologies. Both IBM and HRL utilize similar equipment for fabricating quantum circuits, but HRL's electron spin circuits are notably smaller than IBM's superconducting ones.
Jay Gambetta, director of IBM Research, stated that the future of quantum computing may involve spins, superconductors, or a combination of both. He highlighted HRL's team as the strongest in the world for spin qubits and indicated that their technology could be integrated with IBM's existing systems. HRL's team will begin producing chips at IBM's New York facility, complementing IBM's "Blue Jay" system, which uses superconducting chips and is slated for delivery in 2033.
This strategic move by IBM follows similar diversification efforts in the quantum computing race, such as Google's recent adoption of neutral atom technology. The U.S. administration has also supported IBM's quantum computing ambitions by awarding $1 billion to establish a chip factory for quantum computing firms.