Quantum Computing Intel Plans to Acquire Quantum Computing Software Startup Classiq

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Intel plans to acquire the Israeli company Classiq. Its software for the automated synthesis of quantum algorithms is intended to complement Intel's development of silicon-based quantum processors.

Intel has signed a binding agreement to acquire Classiq, an Israeli quantum computing software provider. The semiconductor manufacturer announced this on October 26, 2026. With this acquisition, Intel aims to expand its existing developments in the field of quantum hardware to include a software platform for programming quantum computers.

Classiq develops tools that allow quantum algorithms to be designed at a higher level of abstraction and then automatically implemented in quantum circuits. This means developers do not have to specify every operation at the level of individual qubits and quantum gates. The software handles parts of the circuit design and is intended, in particular, to simplify the implementation of more complex quantum algorithms.

Automated Synthesis of Quantum Circuits

A key feature of the Classiq platform is its independence from specific qubit technologies and hardware architectures. The software is designed to develop quantum programs for a variety of technical approaches. This ensures that users are not locked into the processor architecture of a single manufacturer.

Intel compares this approach to the role of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in traditional semiconductor development. In that context, these tools enable the design of complex circuits without requiring developers to manually handle every detail of the subsequent physical implementation. A similar level of abstraction is intended to help reduce the programming effort involved in developing quantum algorithms.

Automated synthesis is also intended to support the development of larger quantum circuits. Instead of assembling them entirely by hand, developers can describe the desired computations at a higher level and have circuits generated from them. According to Intel, Classiq will continue to support various quantum hardware platforms even after the acquisition. There are therefore no plans to limit support to Intel’s own processors.

Silicon-Based Spin Qubits as a Hardware Foundation

Intel has been working on quantum computing technologies since 2015, focusing in particular on silicon-based spin qubits. In this approach, the quantum mechanical spin of electrons is used to store and process quantum information. A key advantage lies in the potential to use established manufacturing processes from conventional semiconductor production. Intel sees this as a foundation for the production of larger qubit arrays.

In addition to the actual qubit chips, Intel is developing complex cryogenic control electronics required to operate quantum processors at very low temperatures. By combining this hardware with its own quantum software and Classiq’s development tools, the company aims to build an end-to-end platform. Quantum processors, known as Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), could thus complement the existing range of CPUs, GPUs, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

However, there are still technical challenges to overcome before these can be developed into widely applicable quantum systems. These include, in particular, scaling the number of qubits, error control, and the integration of the individual system components. The acquisition of Classiq is primarily intended to simplify software development and its integration with various quantum architectures.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027 and is still subject to regulatory approvals. Until then, Intel and Classiq will remain separate companies.