Now 14Tech09:52

Intel Acquires Israeli Quantum Computing Startup Classiq for $2.3 Billion

By נתנאל שמי

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

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Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Intel has acquired the Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq for an estimated $2.3 billion, in the largest deal ever in the quantum computing field. Classiq's technology automates the creation of quantum algorithms, a critical step for the next generation of computing. The acquisition aims to position Intel as a leader in quantum solutions and highlights Israel's strength in advanced technology.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Intel acquired Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq for an estimated $2.3 billion.
The deal is the largest in the history of the quantum computing industry.
Classiq's technology automates the translation of ideas into quantum algorithms.
The acquisition aims to make Intel a full-stack quantum solutions provider.
Classiq was founded in 2020 and had raised $200 million prior to the acquisition.

Intel Acquires Israeli Quantum Computing Startup Classiq for $2.3 Billion — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Intel has acquired the Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq for an estimated $2.3 billion, plus an additional $175 million in employee retention bonuses. This acquisition marks the largest exit to date in the global quantum computing sector, significantly surpassing previous records.

Classiq, founded in 2020, has developed a unique platform for designing and optimizing quantum algorithms. Their technology addresses a major bottleneck in modern science by automatically translating human ideas into complex quantum circuits. The company created a novel modeling language and synthesis tools that enable the development of quantum computer software independent of specific hardware, allowing it to run on cloud infrastructures from Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

Classiq CEO Nir Minerbi previously explained that current quantum software development is limited to the logic gate level, which becomes unmanageable with a large number of qubits. He envisioned Classiq becoming the "Microsoft of quantum computing" by providing the essential software layer. The startup had raised approximately $200 million from prominent venture capital firms and angel investors, including Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

This acquisition is a strategic move for Intel, aiming to secure a leading position in the next computing era, particularly after missing out on previous tech revolutions like smartphone processors and facing competition in AI hardware from Nvidia. By acquiring Classiq, Intel gains direct control over the quantum computer's software and synthesis layer, positioning itself to set future standards for scientific, financial, and medical applications.

The deal further solidifies Israel's status as a global technological powerhouse, especially in the burgeoning quantum computing ecosystem. It demonstrates the capability of Israeli innovation to achieve world-class scientific breakthroughs and positions the country as a key player in shaping future technological infrastructure.