IBM doubles down on quantum computing: Acquires HRL Laboratories to build "superconducting + spin" dual-track strategy.

On Thursday local time, IBM announced that it has agreed to acquire HRL Laboratories, a private quantum computing research institution jointly owned by Boeing Company and General Motors Company. This move marks IBM's official establishment of a "dual-track parallel" strategy in the field of quantum computing, adding silicon-based electron spin quantum bit technology as a second pillar alongside its long-term superconducting route. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter, but IBM did not disclose the specific acquisition price. HRL Laboratories was originally the research department of aerospace company Hughes Aircraft, headquartered near Malibu, California, and has a world-class team in silicon spin quantum bit engineering. IBM Research Director Jay Gambetta stated that HRL's spin quantum bit team is "world-class," and its technology will complement IBM's existing route. "I and the team firmly believe that the future belongs to electron spin, superconductors, or a combination of the two. I will not invest in a second route without an integrable foundation," Gambetta said. Currently, there are still divergences in the quantum computing hardware path, with global companies and laboratories simultaneously exploring about six different ways of preparing quantum circuits. IBM and Alphabet Inc. Class C have always been the main promoters of superconducting circuits. Gambetta pointed out that both superconducting and silicon spin quantum bits can be produced using traditional chip manufacturing equipment, but the volume of spin circuits can be much smaller than that of superconducting circuits. This feature will play a key role after IBM delivers the "Blue Jay" system based on superconducting chips in 2033. After the acquisition, the HRL team will move to IBM's cutting-edge chip factory in New York for production. Gambetta also revealed that IBM already has a "parallel path" of spin quantum technology internally, which will be publicly launched soon. This means that after Alphabet Inc. Class C introduced neutral atom technology earlier this year, IBM has also embarked on the path of quantum breakthroughs through multiple routes. Boeing Company and General Motors Company stated that they will continue to cooperate with IBM in quantum applications and advanced technology development after the completion of the transaction. Behind this strategic layout is the increasingly intense quantum race and government support. In May of this year, the Trump administration announced a $1 billion grant to IBM to establish a chip factory named Anderon in New Albany, New York, specifically serving American quantum computing companies. In terms of financial performance, IBM released its third-quarter financial report on Wednesday and lowered its full-year performance expectations. As a result, IBM's stock price fell by over 2% on Thursday.