IBM (IBM.US) adds quantum computing: acquires HRL Laboratories to build a “superconductive+spin” dual-track strategy

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on Thursday local time, IBM (IBM.US) announced that it had agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a private quantum computing research and development agency jointly owned by Boeing (BA.US) and General Motors (GM.US).

This move marks IBM's formal establishment of a “dual-track parallel” strategy in the field of quantum computing. In addition to its long-term superconductivity route, silicon-based electron spin qubit technology was added as the second pillar. The deal is expected to close at the end of the third quarter, but IBM did not disclose the exact purchase price.

HRL Laboratories, originally the research division of aerospace company Hughes Aircraft, is headquartered near Malibu, California, and has a world-class team in silicon spin qubit engineering. IBM Research Director Jay Gambetta said that HRL's spin qubit team is “the best in the world,” and its technology will complement IBM's existing route.

“My team and I are convinced that the future is electron-spin, superconductivity, or some combination of the two. “I wouldn't invest in a second route without an integrable foundation,” Gambetta said.

Currently, there are still differences in quantum computing hardware paths, and global companies and laboratories are simultaneously exploring about six different quantum circuit preparation methods. IBM and Google (GOOGL.US) have always been the main drivers of superconducting circuits.

Gambetta pointed out that both superconductivity and silicon spin qubits can be produced using traditional chip manufacturing equipment, but spin circuits can be made much smaller in size than superconducting circuits. This characteristic will play a key role after IBM's superconducting chip-based “Blue Jay” system is delivered in 2033.

Following the acquisition, the HRL team will be located at IBM's cutting-edge chip factory in New York State for production. Gambetta also revealed that IBM already has a “parallel path” of spin quantum technology within IBM and will soon disclose it to the public. This means that, following Google's introduction of neutral atom technology earlier this year, IBM has also embarked on a path of quantum breakthroughs with multiple parallel routes.

Boeing and GM said they will continue to cooperate with IBM on quantum applications and advanced technology development after the deal is completed.

Behind this strategic layout is an increasingly intense quantum competition and government support. In May of this year, the Trump administration announced a grant of 1 billion US dollars to IBM to establish a chip factory called Anderon in New Albany, New York, to specifically serve US quantum computing companies.

In terms of financial performance, IBM released its third quarter earnings report on Wednesday and lowered its full-year performance forecast. Affected by this, IBM's stock price fell more than 2% on Thursday.