Intel announces acquisition of Israeli unicorn Classiq, CEO Chen Liwu: Will build a full-stack quantum computing business

Intel has agreed to acquire Israeli startup Classiq, aiming to compete for leadership in next-generation computing technology.

On Sunday, October 26, Intel announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Israeli startup Classiq. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027 and is subject to regulatory approval. Intel did not disclose the acquisition price.

CEO Pat Gelsinger stated that this merger will transform Intel’s quantum computing division into a “full-stack quantum computing business.”

Classiq was jointly founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi, Yehuda, and Amir, and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. To date, it has raised over $200 million in funding, employs about 130 staff, and counts major enterprises such as BMW Group and AT&T among its clients.

The acquisition will integrate Classiq’s quantum algorithm automatic synthesis platform with Intel’s expertise in silicon-based spin qubit manufacturing and cryogenic control electronic devices, positioning Intel as a full-stack solutions provider capable of delivering both quantum hardware and software.

Addressing Software Shortcomings to Build a Quantum Full-Stack Platform

Intel has been deeply involved in quantum computing for more than a decade, focusing on spin qubit technology, and claims to be the only company currently able to mass-produce qubit chips and complex cryogenic control electronics using traditional silicon-based semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.

However, despite its hardware strengths, Intel has had a clear gap on the quantum software side—one that Classiq happened to fill.

Classiq’s core product is a unified software platform that is independent of underlying qubit modalities and hardware. It combines AI tools, advanced quantum modeling languages, and automation capabilities to allow developers, researchers, and enterprises to create scalable quantum applications without having to master low-level quantum circuit design.

Intel compares this to the transformation that electronic design automation (EDA) and computer-aided design (CAD) software brought to traditional chip design four decades ago, where abstracting hardware complexity enabled integrated circuit design to evolve from a niche specialty to a scalable industry.

Upon completion of this acquisition, Intel’s computing platform portfolio will expand from its existing CPUs, GPUs, and ASICs to quantum processing units (QPUs).

Intel Accelerates Quantum Push to Gain a Foothold in Emerging Markets

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger stated in an announcement:

The merger with Classiq will transform Intel’s Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business.

Pat Gelsinger also mentioned in the statement that Classiq co-founder Nir Minerbi and the entire team will officially join Intel.

The announcement of this acquisition comes just ahead of Intel’s Q3 earnings release. Under Pat Gelsinger’s leadership, Intel has begun to stabilize its previously pressured financial situation and is seeking to reclaim market share in AI computing that was lost to competitors.

Quantum computing is seen as another potential major opportunity, and Intel’s initiative is intended to ensure it does not miss out in this emerging field. Nir Minerbi commented:

This revolution is a process of evolving from science to engineering. When you think of engineering, you think of Intel.

Quantum Computing Has Broad Commercial Prospects, but Major Challenges Remain

Quantum computing leverages the quantum properties of subatomic particles to accelerate data processing and, in principle, can solve complex problems that traditional computers find intractable.

Currently, many enterprises—including large technology companies—are actively exploring the commercial potential of quantum computing, but large-scale deployment of this technology still faces extremely high barriers of hardware complexity.

Intel explicitly pointed out in its announcement that quantum computing is positioned as a technology to work alongside traditional computing, not as a complete replacement for existing computing architectures.

Classiq’s platform will continue to support multiple quantum hardware platforms after the deal closes—including those from Intel’s competitors—thereby maintaining its established position in the industry’s open ecosystem.

Intel also cautioned in the announcement about risks such as failure to close the transaction on time, failure to obtain regulatory approval, or inability to realize expected synergies, while noting that the timeline for quantum computing commercialization and the size of the market remain highly uncertain.