Intel pays $2.2bn for quantum software firm Classiq

Intel will pay $2.2 billion for Classiq, the Israeli quantum software startup, in a deal that turns its Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business.

The acquisition, announced in a statement, adds Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) to Intel's compute portfolio and positions the chipmaker as a full-stack quantum solutions provider. For context, $2.2 billion is roughly 67 times the $33 million Classiq raised in its February 2022 Series B — a round that counted HPE and Samsung among its investors.

What does Classiq actually bring?

Founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi, Amir Naveh and Yehuda Naveh, Classiq has built an operating system that automates the conversion of high-level functional models into optimized quantum circuits.

The platform is hardware-agnostic. It doesn't care about the underlying qubit modality or the quantum computer it targets, so developers can design, build, test and run software regardless of which machine it's destined for. That matters for practitioners: one toolchain, any quantum backend.

When does the deal close?

Expect a wait. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Until then, Intel and Classiq will keep operating as separate, independent companies — so don't expect integrated product roadmaps before then.

What are the executives saying?

"I am delighted to have Nir, Yehuda, Amir and the entire Classiq team join Intel," said Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel.

Tan framed the deal as the culmination of long-running quantum work at the company. "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," he said. "Joining forces with Classiq transforms Intel's Quantum Computing Group into a full-stack quantum computing business."

Classiq co-founder and CEO Nir Minerbi pointed to the startup's original mission. "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," Minerbi added.

What changes for quantum developers?

The strategic logic is straightforward: Intel brings silicon spin-qubit hardware and manufacturing scale, while Classiq supplies the software layer that abstracts circuit design away from developers. Combined, the two cover the full stack — from qubit to application.

For enterprises evaluating quantum investments, the deal signals that the software layer is now acquisition-grade. A five-year-old startup commanding $2.2 billion sets a benchmark for what quantum tooling is worth to a major chipmaker — and suggests more consolidation is coming as hardware players race to own the full stack.