Intel announced on Monday that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Israeli quantum computing software company Classiq, a move the US chipmaker said would strengthen its push into quantum computing and position it as a full-stack provider of quantum hardware and software solutions.
While the companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, Globes reported that Intel acquired Classiq for $2.2 billion, making it Intel's largest acquisition in Israel since the 2017 purchase of Mobileye for $15.3 billion.
Intel said it expects to close the deal in the first half of 2027.
Software for any quantum machine
Founded in Israel, Classiq has developed a quantum software platform that lets developers and enterprises build quantum applications without deep expertise in quantum circuit design. The company’s technology is designed to work across different quantum hardware architectures, providing a hardware-agnostic software layer for quantum computing development.
Intel said combining Classiq’s automated quantum algorithm synthesis platform with its own quantum hardware and software capabilities would help accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing.
“For more than a decade, Intel has made remarkable progress in quantum computing by applying its semiconductor innovation, advanced manufacturing prowess and systems engineering expertise to the development of scalable silicon spin-qubit technology,” said Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan. “Joining forces with Classiq transforms Intel’s Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business.”
The acquisition would combine Intel’s work in silicon spin-qubit technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and quantum software with Classiq’s development tools, allowing the company to offer integrated quantum computing solutions.
Intel has invested in quantum computing since 2015, focusing on silicon-based spin qubits and cryogenic control electronics. The company argues that its approach leverages manufacturing techniques already used in conventional semiconductor production, potentially providing a path toward large-scale quantum systems.
'Practical and accessible'
Classiq CEO and co-founder Nir Minerbi said the deal would help broaden adoption of quantum technologies.
“Since our founding, Classiq has focused on making quantum computing practical and accessible by enabling developers, researchers and enterprises to create scalable quantum applications without requiring deep expertise in quantum circuit design,” he said. “Together, Intel and Classiq can help unlock the benefits of quantum computing and accelerate its adoption sooner.”
Intel said it intends to continue supporting Classiq’s existing integrations with multiple quantum hardware platforms after the acquisition closes, maintaining what it described as a hardware- and modality-agnostic software ecosystem.
Classiq has raised over $200 million to date, with its most recent funding round (a Series C) totaling $135 million at a valuation of $600 million. Among the company’s investors is Team8, which has supported it since its initial funding round, led by managing partner Sarit Firon.
“Intel isn’t just acquiring another Israeli company. It’s acquiring technology at the forefront of one of the most significant breakthroughs in computing. Quantum computing has the potential to unlock unprecedented computing power and transform fields ranging from drug discovery to the development of new materials,” she said.
She added that Classiq developed its quantum programming language here in Israel, and this acquisition is a powerful vote of confidence in Israeli tech's ability to lead at the frontier of global innovation, turning groundbreaking technological achievements into global impact.