Intel agrees to buy Israeli quantum startup Classiq

Intel has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Classiq, a Tel Aviv-based quantum computing software company. The chipmaker wants to pair Classiq's algorithm synthesis platform with its own silicon spin-qubit hardware to build what it calls a "full-stack quantum computing platform," according to Intel's announcement. Intel did not disclose the price. The deal arrives just before Intel reports third-quarter earnings on Thursday, October 29, Bloomberg reported.businesswire.com+1

The Israeli business outlet Calcalist reported that Intel will pay $2.3 billion, which it called a record acquisition in the quantum computing industry. It also reported that each of Classiq's three founders could receive $80 million to $100 million. The companies expect the deal to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals, and will run independently until then.ca.investing.com+1

What Intel is buying

Intel likens Classiq's software to the chip-design automation tools that changed classical computing. Classiq's platform lets developers write quantum programs without hand-building circuits for a specific type of qubit or machine. If the deal closes, Intel could add quantum processing units to its lineup of CPUs, GPUs and custom chips, and it has pledged to keep Classiq's software hardware-agnostic. Classiq's customers include BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and AT&T ↘ 1.15%.bloomberg.com+1

"Joining forces with Classiq transforms Intel's Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business," Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said. Classiq co-founder and CEO Nir Minerbi said the two companies "can help unlock the benefits of quantum computing and accelerate its adoption sooner".businesswire.com

A CEO's earlier bet

Tan had a stake in Classiq before he ran Intel. He was listed as an existing investor when the startup raised a $110 million Series C in May 2025, which brought its total funding to $173 million. Classiq later added backers including AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. ↗ 3.24%, Qualcomm Ventures ↘ 0.65% and IonQ ↘ 1.58%, pushing cumulative funding past $200 million.calcalistech.com+1

In September, Tan said Intel had about 70 people working on quantum computing. He described Classiq as trying to become "the next Cadence" for quantum computing, a nod to the chip-design software company he once led. Intel has invested in quantum computing since 2015. It says it is the only company able to produce qubit chips and cryogenic control electronics at scale using standard semiconductor manufacturing.calcalistech.com+1

The company's own filing points to the main uncertainty in the deal. It warns of "uncertainty regarding the timing and extent of commercial adoption" of quantum computing, a field Bloomberg describes as still looking for commercial uses.businesswire.com+1