Intel Agrees to Acquire Classiq to Expand Its Quantum Computing Business

Intel has agreed to acquire Classiq, an Israeli quantum-computing software company, under a plan to bring quantum software and hardware development together as it builds a broader quantum business.

The companies signed a definitive agreement on Oct. 26. The transaction has not closed, and Intel expects it to be completed in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Intel and Classiq will operate separately until closing.

Classiq’s platform lets developers describe quantum applications using high-level models, then automates the conversion of those models into optimized circuits. This approach, known as quantum algorithm synthesis, is designed to handle circuit creation from a higher-level description of an application.

The planned combination would bring Classiq’s platform together with Intel’s quantum software, silicon spin-qubit technology and semiconductor manufacturing expertise. It would also add quantum processing units to Intel’s portfolio, which includes central processing units, graphics processing units and application-specific chips.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said, “Joining forces with Classiq transforms Intel’s Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business.”

Classiq was founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi, Amir Naveh and Yehuda Naveh. Its software focuses on the application-design stage: developers can work from a high-level quantum model while the platform produces optimized circuit instructions. The proposed acquisition would bring that software into Intel’s broader quantum computing effort.

Intel’s quantum-computing investments date to 2015, and its development work includes silicon spin qubits and cryogenic control electronics. The planned deal would combine those efforts with Classiq’s software and Intel’s semiconductor manufacturing expertise, spanning software and hardware work within one quantum computing business.

Intel did not disclose financial terms. The first half of 2027 is the only closing window announced.