IBM completes acquisition of HRL Laboratories to accelerate the future of quantum. Aug 26, 2026, 08:00 ET The combination brings together complementary expertise in quantum computing, sensing, materials science, and advanced technologies to accelerate future innovation ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, LLC (HRL), a leading research and development institution whose expertise spans quantum computing, quantum sensing, advanced communications, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science. The acquisition brings together two leading organizations with a shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of science and technology. HRL's expertise in silicon-spin qubits complements IBM's leadership in superconducting quantum computing. HRL also brings capabilities in quantum sensing, quantum materials, cryogenics, control electronics, packaging, and interconnect technologies that are expected to strengthen IBM's quantum hardware roadmap and support continued innovation across the quantum technology stack. IBM continues to advance superconducting-qubit architectures through breakthroughs in hardware, error correction, software, and algorithms designed to enable increasingly capable quantum systems. IBM's roadmap includes its fault-tolerant quantum computer IBM Quantum Starling, expected by 2029 to perform 100 million quantum operations and deliver significantly greater computational capability than today's quantum computers. Starling is expected to be followed by Blue Jay, IBM's next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computer, targeted for the mid-2030s. The acquisition also complements IBM's broader innovation and investment in quantum manufacturing and infrastructure. HRL's expertise in silicon-based quantum technologies creates opportunities for future collaboration with Anderon, IBM's pure-play quantum wafer foundry, supporting scalable manufacturing approaches and accelerating learning cycles across multiple quantum computing modalities. Boeing and General Motors, HRL's former owners, will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. Media contact: SOURCE IBM

HRL Laboratories has published research in Nature demonstrating a self-operating quantum processor. The system features a custom CMOS controller operating at –450°F inside a cryostat, which autonomously runs error correction for their 18-qubit devices without real-time input from room-temperature electronics. The architecture uses a new high-density superconducting ribbon cable that transmits control signals to qubits whilst preventing heat transfer. The system achieves control errors ten times lower than previous demonstrations with this qubit type, with operations completing in under a microsecond. This marks the first time error correction has been executed entirely by a cryogenic controller. HRL aims to build quantum computers using standard microchip production lines, keeping costs low for broader commercial and scientific applications. IBM recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire HRL to strengthen its quantum computing capabilities.