IBM has completed its acquisition of HRL Laboratories, adding silicon-based quantum technology and an extensive portfolio of hardware research to its effort to build fault-tolerant quantum computers.

The deal gives IBM expertise in silicon-spin qubits, an approach that differs from the superconducting qubits at the center of IBM’s current quantum systems. Rather than replacing its existing architecture, IBM now has another path to develop as it works on the difficult problem of scaling quantum computing.

Among the challenges: A large quantum computer needs sophisticated cryogenics, control electronics, packaging and interconnects, and manufacturing processes that can produce reliable hardware. HRL brings research capabilities across these areas, as well as quantum sensing and materials science.

Additionally, error correction remains a core hurdle. Qubits are vulnerable to even slight disturbances, so quantum computers need methods to correct errors while calculations are running. Building these systems at scale requires big advances in the hardware stack, so HRL’s work in cryogenics and electronics could be important to IBM’s long-range plans.

HRL also gives IBM substantial experience with silicon quantum devices. HRL has demonstrated a digitally controlled silicon quantum processing unit containing 56 quantum dots configured as 18 qubits. Quantum dots enable researchers to manipulate individual electrons, providing another possible foundation for quantum processors.

IBM plans to explore how this silicon expertise can work with Anderon, the first pure-play quantum wafer foundry in the US. The combination could help IBM investigate manufacturing methods across multiple quantum architectures rather than committing its research organization exclusively to superconducting systems.

IBM is pursuing an ambitious quantum roadmap, and is arguably the leader in quantum. The company plans to build IBM Quantum Starling, its first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer, by 2029. IBM expects Starling to execute 100 million quantum operations. A more advanced fault-tolerant system, Blue Jay, is planned for the mid-2030s.

From Fiber Optics to Ion Propulsion

Founded by Hughes Aircraft Company as a research laboratory in 1948, HRL played a role in numerous technology developments. Hughes researchers demonstrated the first working laser in 1960. The lab later worked on semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, ion propulsion and autonomous navigation.

General Motors acquired Hughes Aircraft in 1985, then spun the research operation into HRL Laboratories in 1997. Boeing acquired an ownership interest in 2000. Since becoming HRL, the organization has produced more than 1,100 patents and conducted research across robotics, advanced materials, imaging and semiconductor technology.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.