IBM to acquire HRL Labs from GM, Boeing

IBM has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, the 50/50 joint venture owned by Boeing and General Motors, to accelerate its quantum computing ambitions, with terms undisclosed and closing expected after regulatory approvals. The deal positions IBM to expand its quantum capabilities alongside its planned two-track approach, combining HRL’s electron spin qubits with IBM’s superconducting technology as it aims for practical, scalable quantum systems. Boeing and GM will continue partnering with IBM on quantum applications, even as HRL is sold, signaling a shift of resources toward IBM’s quantum portfolio. The transaction unfolds amid broad government and corporate investment in quantum tech, including the Trump administration’s support for ventures like Anderon to bolster domestic quantum manufacturing. Analysts view HRL’s qubit expertise as a strategic complement to IBM’s roadmap, which envisions advancing toward a large-scale quantum computer in the coming years. The move underscores a competitive race with Alphabet, Microsoft, and others to commercialize quantum machines and industrialize related technologies.