Israel News
Intel Buys Israeli Quantum Startup Classiq for $2.2 Billion
Intel is reportedly acquiring Israeli quantum computing company Classiq for $2.2 billion in a major deal that could strengthen its position in the industry.
A major acquisition in Israel’s high-tech sector: Intel is acquiring Israeli company Classiq for $2.2 billion, according to a report published Tuesday by Globes. The deal, one of the largest in the industry in recent years, could give the chip giant an advantage in the race to develop the next generation of quantum computing.
Classiq was founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi, Amir Naveh, and Dr. Yehuda Naveh. The company developed a software platform for designing and running quantum algorithms, allowing organizations and developers to use the technology without requiring extensive knowledge of the underlying hardware.
Unlike manufacturers of quantum processors, Classiq focuses on the software that connects computational problems to the computers themselves. Its platform translates complex tasks into programs adapted to different types of hardware, reducing dependence on any single manufacturer. In the future, this software layer could play a central role in the industry, much like operating systems do in conventional computers.
Since its founding, the company has raised approximately $200 million. The reported acquisition price is 11 times the capital raised, although this does not necessarily reflect investors’ returns.
In recent months, Classiq also considered going public on Wall Street through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), at an estimated valuation of $2 billion to $5 billion. The company has business ties with Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon, as well as clients in the automotive, financial, and industrial sectors.
For Intel, the acquisition presents an opportunity to expand beyond its traditional processor business. Quantum computing could one day help solve complex problems in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, finance, and optimization, although widespread commercial use remains a distant prospect.
The deal also reflects the growth of Israel’s quantum computing industry. According to the Israel Innovation Authority, Israeli companies in the field raised nearly half a billion dollars in 2025, accounting for approximately 9% of all private investment in the sector worldwide.
