Intel to acquire Classiq in reported US$2.3 billion deal, giving quantum computing its full-stack platform

Intel has agreed to acquire Classiq, the Vertex Ventures Israel portfolio company behind a hardware-agnostic quantum software platform, in a deal set to be the largest in the sector to date.

Intel has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Classiq, a quantum computing software company and a Vertex Ventures Israel portfolio company. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately US$2.3 billion and is set to be the largest acquisition in the quantum computing sector to date. It is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2027.

The industry tension

Quantum hardware has advanced quickly, but building useful applications for it remains difficult. Many quantum programs are still crafted circuit by circuit, which demands deep specialist expertise and ties each application to a particular machine. That limits who can build on quantum computing and slows the path to commercial use.

Classiq’s approach

Founded in 2020, Classiq built a software platform that lets developers, researchers and enterprises design, optimise and run quantum applications without managing the underlying hardware complexity. Its platform is agnostic to the underlying qubit technology and hardware.

“Since our founding, Classiq has focused on making quantum computing practical and accessible by enabling developers, researchers and enterprises to create scalable quantum applications without requiring deep expertise in quantum circuit design. Together, Intel and Classiq can help unlock the benefits of quantum computing and accelerate its adoption sooner,” said Nir Minerbi, co-founder and CEO, Classiq.

A familiar pattern in computing

Intel draws a parallel with the arrival of electronic design automation software, which let engineers design chips without handling the complexity of the underlying hardware. In its announcement, Intel describes Classiq as playing a similar role for quantum computing. By combining Classiq’s software with Intel’s spin-qubit technology and semiconductor manufacturing expertise, Intel aims to build a full-stack quantum computing platform.

Vertex’s perspective & Looking ahead

Vertex Ventures Israel supported Classiq in an investment led by Aviad Ariel. The acquisition marks a landmark exit for Israel’s deep tech sector.

Until the transaction closes, Intel and Classiq will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. Intel has said it intends to continue supporting Classiq’s existing multi-platform integrations and a hardware-agnostic approach after closing. Vertex congratulates the Classiq team on this milestone.