Intel has agreed to buy Classiq, a young company in Israel. Classiq makes software for quantum computers, a special type of computer. Bloomberg says the deal is worth about $2.3 billion. Intel did not confirm this price.
Quantum computers can solve some problems much faster than ordinary computer chips. One example is studying molecules, the tiny parts that make up substances. But writing programs for these computers is difficult and often needs special skills.
With Classiq’s software, people describe what they want a program to do. The software then plans how the quantum computer will do it. It works with different types of quantum computers. BMW and HSBC are among its customers.
Intel has worked on quantum computers since 2015. It uses the same equipment to make parts for quantum computers and ordinary chips. Buying Classiq would give Intel both the computer parts and the software to use them.
Intel says Classiq’s software will still work with other companies’ quantum computers. Classiq will also become Intel’s global development centre for quantum computing. The companies expect to finish the deal in the first half of 2027. But they first need permission from the authorities.
