The rise of quantum computing has ushered in a new technological frontier, promising to revolutionize industries in ways that traditional computers simply cannot match. At the heart of this seismic shift is Classiq Technologies, an Israeli startup whose ambitions stretch boldly across the global stage. Tasked with making quantum computing accessible and practical for mainstream applications, Classiq aspires to become the "Microsoft of quantum computing," providing the critical software layer that bridges human ingenuity and quantum hardware with a clarity reminiscent of Microsoft Windows' transformative role in the PC era.
Founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi (CEO), Yehuda Naveh (CTO), and Amir Naveh (CPO), Classiq emerged from Israel’s prolific tech ecosystem—a country renowned for punching above its weight in technological innovation. The founders, leveraging decades of expertise in quantum algorithms and computational science, set out to address a core problem that has long stymied the field: Quantum computers are staggeringly powerful, yet notoriously difficult to program. Even as the hardware matures, their utility remains locked away, accessible only to a slim cadre of researchers with specialist knowledge in quantum physics, mathematics, and low-level circuit design.
CEO Nir Minerbi draws a clear parallel with the early days of personal computing. “Quantum computing is at a similar point today as personal computing was back then: It's powerful but hard to use… and we are delivering the essential software stack to empower the development of real-world quantum applications,” Minerbi explained in an interview with The Times of Israel. Just as Microsoft’s operating system abstracted away the hardware complexities behind user-friendly interfaces and development tools, Classiq seeks to provide the modern equivalent for quantum systems.
This vertical integration is especially significant when contrasted with earlier approaches reliant on hardware-specific, low-level coding. In fact, experts widely recognize that unlocking quantum’s commercial potential hinges on developing robust, platform-agnostic software abstractions. Classiq’s promise of “write once, run anywhere” for quantum algorithms echoes the paradigm shifts of early PC and server operating systems.
Furthermore, the firm's solution is fundamentally hardware-agnostic—compatible with a range of quantum backends, from superconducting qubits to photonic systems and beyond. This flexibility minimizes vendor lock-in and futureproofs clients’ investments against the rapid evolution (and ongoing flux) of quantum hardware technologies.
Perhaps even more impressive are Classiq’s partnerships with some of the world's leading technology giants: Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft’s Azure Quantum. These alliances provide not just credibility but also strategic leverage—ensuring Classiq’s software remains at the epicenter of global quantum research and deployment efforts.
Their geographical expansion underscores ambition: With offices now in Tel Aviv, Boston, and Tokyo—and a headcount anticipated to double from its current 65 employees—Classiq is not content to remain a local player. The firm’s internationalization is both a hedge against risk and a recognition of where the quantum race is being most fiercely contested.
Applications that were previously out of reach, such as the simulation of complex molecular structures (critical for drug discovery and materials science), cryptographic code-breaking, advanced optimization in finance and logistics, and enhanced machine learning, all stand to benefit.
Yet, this extraordinary potential remains largely theoretical outside a handful of laboratories. While quantum hardware advances—spurred by the likes of IBM, Google, Rigetti, and others—have produced machines with tens (occasionally hundreds) of fragile, error-prone qubits, practical use remains stymied by inaccessible programming models and a dearth of developer tools. For context, analysts predict that truly practical quantum-enabled applications may require error-corrected qubit counts in the thousands or more—a scaling challenge that is unlikely to be resolved in the near term.
It is precisely at this juncture that Classiq’s vision resonates. By abstracting the hardware and accelerating the translation of business challenges into quantum circuits, they are not only unlocking near-term quantum advantage but also futureproofing solutions as the technology improves.
A major milestone was reached in June 2024 with the opening of Israel’s first Quantum Computing Center at Tel Aviv University. This state-of-the-art facility, developed in cooperation with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Aerospace Industries, the Israel Innovation Authority, and Yissum (the Hebrew University’s tech transfer office), cements Israel’s position at the forefront of quantum research. The center is designed to serve both civilian and defense applications, marking the beginning of a domestic quantum ecosystem with global reach.
The unveiling of Israel’s first home-grown quantum computer—reportedly capable of running algorithms for both research and security—further underscores the country’s ambitions. Hebrew University’s director, Yishai Fraenkel, noted, "As the Hebrew University enters its 100th anniversary, this achievement aligns with our founding mission: from establishing Israel’s first scientific research institute in 1925 to the launch of the country’s first quantum computer.” Such sentiment reflects the seriousness—and pride—invested in this national project.
International attention has followed: NVIDIA, the American chip giant, announced plans to invest millions into an Israel-based AI supercomputer dubbed “Israel-1,” explicitly linking the rise of generative AI to high-performance, and soon quantum-enabled, computation. As NVIDIA’s SVP of marketing Gilad Shainer put it, “Generative AI is going everywhere nowadays. You need to be able to run training on large datasets.” Israel’s convergence of AI and quantum muscle further positions it as a nexus of next-generation information technology.
Microsoft’s dominance was built in large part on rapidly commoditizing hardware and an enormous pent-up demand for user-friendly PCs. The quantum ecosystem is structurally different—hardware remains scarce and exceptionally costly, while present-day demand is largely driven by big industry R&D rather than consumer enthusiasm. For Classiq to replicate Windows' success, they will need both a sustained jump in hardware maturity and a killer app that demonstrates clear quantum advantage, something the industry is chasing but has not yet tangibly achieved.
Moreover, classifying quantum’s “software stack” as a single technology or platform may ultimately prove simplistic. Unlike the PC era, where Wintel compatibility won the day, the quantum stack could fragment along divergent hardware, programming language, or even geopolitical lines.
Still, if one company is positioned to shepherd quantum computing past its teething pains and into true business-case territory, Classiq’s bets on high-level tools, flexibility, and interoperability place it among the frontrunners. Their adoption by major enterprises and partnerships with top-tier cloud providers are positive signals, though the road ahead will require nimble adaptation to shifting technological sands.
Whether or not Classiq becomes “the Microsoft” of this field, its progress is vital to closing the gap between quantum promise and quantum reality. By lowering the barrier to entry and fostering an ecosystem where new ideas can flourish, it is acting as both catalyst and enabler of the next computing revolution.
For businesses, governments, and technologists watching from the sidelines, now is the time to experiment, partner, and prepare. The coming decade will likely determine which players define the future of computing—and which nations harness its power for prosperity and security. Israel and Classiq have put their marker down; the rest of the world should take note.
Source: allisrael.com Israeli startup seeks to become Microsoft of quantum computing
Classiq Technologies: Roots and Vision
Founded in 2020 by Nir Minerbi (CEO), Yehuda Naveh (CTO), and Amir Naveh (CPO), Classiq emerged from Israel’s prolific tech ecosystem—a country renowned for punching above its weight in technological innovation. The founders, leveraging decades of expertise in quantum algorithms and computational science, set out to address a core problem that has long stymied the field: Quantum computers are staggeringly powerful, yet notoriously difficult to program. Even as the hardware matures, their utility remains locked away, accessible only to a slim cadre of researchers with specialist knowledge in quantum physics, mathematics, and low-level circuit design.CEO Nir Minerbi draws a clear parallel with the early days of personal computing. “Quantum computing is at a similar point today as personal computing was back then: It's powerful but hard to use… and we are delivering the essential software stack to empower the development of real-world quantum applications,” Minerbi explained in an interview with The Times of Israel. Just as Microsoft’s operating system abstracted away the hardware complexities behind user-friendly interfaces and development tools, Classiq seeks to provide the modern equivalent for quantum systems.
What Does Classiq Do Differently?
At its core, Classiq's platform enables developers to build sophisticated quantum algorithms without needing deep expertise in quantum hardware. The company has developed an automated synthesis engine that translates high-level functional models into efficient quantum circuits tailored for multiple quantum computing architectures. This means that programmers can focus on the logic and goals of their applications, rather than the technical nuances of qubit manipulation or error correction—a crucial advancement for mainstream adoption.This vertical integration is especially significant when contrasted with earlier approaches reliant on hardware-specific, low-level coding. In fact, experts widely recognize that unlocking quantum’s commercial potential hinges on developing robust, platform-agnostic software abstractions. Classiq’s promise of “write once, run anywhere” for quantum algorithms echoes the paradigm shifts of early PC and server operating systems.
Furthermore, the firm's solution is fundamentally hardware-agnostic—compatible with a range of quantum backends, from superconducting qubits to photonic systems and beyond. This flexibility minimizes vendor lock-in and futureproofs clients’ investments against the rapid evolution (and ongoing flux) of quantum hardware technologies.
Securing Momentum: Investment and Partnerships
Remarkably, within just five years of its founding, Classiq has secured $110 million in funding from top-tier venture capitalists and strategic corporate backers. This capital injection places them among the top 10 quantum software startups globally in terms of total funds raised. Investors clearly believe in the firm’s vision and team, but it is the traction among major end-users and partners that truly signals Classiq’s market momentum. Their client roster already boasts titans such as Rolls-Royce, BMW, Deloitte, Toshiba, and HSBC—names that reflect both the breadth and criticality of quantum’s target sectors.Perhaps even more impressive are Classiq’s partnerships with some of the world's leading technology giants: Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft’s Azure Quantum. These alliances provide not just credibility but also strategic leverage—ensuring Classiq’s software remains at the epicenter of global quantum research and deployment efforts.
Their geographical expansion underscores ambition: With offices now in Tel Aviv, Boston, and Tokyo—and a headcount anticipated to double from its current 65 employees—Classiq is not content to remain a local player. The firm’s internationalization is both a hedge against risk and a recognition of where the quantum race is being most fiercely contested.
The Quantum Computing Wave: Why Now?
Quantum computing is frequently touted as the next great leap in computation, with the potential to dwarf the economic and social impact of previous IT cycles. The underlying science exploits quantum bits—or qubits—whose ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than their classical counterparts.Applications that were previously out of reach, such as the simulation of complex molecular structures (critical for drug discovery and materials science), cryptographic code-breaking, advanced optimization in finance and logistics, and enhanced machine learning, all stand to benefit.
Yet, this extraordinary potential remains largely theoretical outside a handful of laboratories. While quantum hardware advances—spurred by the likes of IBM, Google, Rigetti, and others—have produced machines with tens (occasionally hundreds) of fragile, error-prone qubits, practical use remains stymied by inaccessible programming models and a dearth of developer tools. For context, analysts predict that truly practical quantum-enabled applications may require error-corrected qubit counts in the thousands or more—a scaling challenge that is unlikely to be resolved in the near term.
It is precisely at this juncture that Classiq’s vision resonates. By abstracting the hardware and accelerating the translation of business challenges into quantum circuits, they are not only unlocking near-term quantum advantage but also futureproofing solutions as the technology improves.
The Israeli Quantum Superpower Strategy
Classiq’s story is inseparable from Israel’s national ambitions in quantum technology. Despite a relatively small population, Israel has carved out a global leadership position in high technology, particularly in cybersecurity, semiconductors, and AI. Building on this pedigree, Israel has made quantum tech a national strategic priority.A major milestone was reached in June 2024 with the opening of Israel’s first Quantum Computing Center at Tel Aviv University. This state-of-the-art facility, developed in cooperation with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Aerospace Industries, the Israel Innovation Authority, and Yissum (the Hebrew University’s tech transfer office), cements Israel’s position at the forefront of quantum research. The center is designed to serve both civilian and defense applications, marking the beginning of a domestic quantum ecosystem with global reach.
The unveiling of Israel’s first home-grown quantum computer—reportedly capable of running algorithms for both research and security—further underscores the country’s ambitions. Hebrew University’s director, Yishai Fraenkel, noted, "As the Hebrew University enters its 100th anniversary, this achievement aligns with our founding mission: from establishing Israel’s first scientific research institute in 1925 to the launch of the country’s first quantum computer.” Such sentiment reflects the seriousness—and pride—invested in this national project.
International attention has followed: NVIDIA, the American chip giant, announced plans to invest millions into an Israel-based AI supercomputer dubbed “Israel-1,” explicitly linking the rise of generative AI to high-performance, and soon quantum-enabled, computation. As NVIDIA’s SVP of marketing Gilad Shainer put it, “Generative AI is going everywhere nowadays. You need to be able to run training on large datasets.” Israel’s convergence of AI and quantum muscle further positions it as a nexus of next-generation information technology.
Industry Applications: The Quantum Leap
The impact of quantum computing—when coupled with powerful software platforms like Classiq’s—could be transformative across several industries:Finance
Quantum computers could dramatically enhance portfolio optimization, risk analysis, and fraud detection. Conventional algorithms struggle with the exponential complexity of financial markets, especially as variables multiply. Quantum algorithms, built using platforms like Classiq, promise to dissect these challenges orders of magnitude more efficiently, potentially providing banks and investment firms a previously unimaginable advantage.Automotive and Manufacturing
Corporate clients like Rolls-Royce and BMW are exploring how quantum computing can optimize logistics, materials science, and autonomous vehicle navigation. The ability to run complex simulations and optimize assembly lines in quantum-accelerated time could shave millions off R&D budgets and deliver safer, smarter products to market.Pharmaceuticals and Chemistry
Being able to accurately simulate molecular interactions opens new horizons in drug discovery and materials engineering. Traditional computers are often forced to rely on models and approximations; quantum computers may soon be able to model these interactions directly, dramatically speeding up the path to breakthrough therapies.Security and Communications
As quantum computers advance, they will be capable of breaking many of the classical cryptographic protocols that safeguard today’s internet, prompting a race to develop quantum-resistant security methods. Classiq’s platform can play a vital role in designing and testing new quantum-safe cryptographic techniques by enabling researchers to rapidly prototype and evaluate security algorithms.The Scale of the Challenge: Notable Strengths and Risks
While the promise is immense, the risks and uncertainties are equally real.Strengths
- Technical Vision: Classiq’s high-level synthesis tools and hardware-agnostic architecture address well-documented bottlenecks in quantum software development. By letting developers focus on algorithms and problems rather than quantum gate-level minutiae, they are catalyzing broader developer adoption.
- Strong Funding and Partnerships: Their $110 million raise and partnerships with Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft are tangible markers of confidence from both capital markets and industry peers.
- Global Footprint: With operations spanning three continents, Classiq is positioned to tap into leading quantum talent pools and customer bases.
Potential Risks
- Market Timing: Quantum computers remain in their infancy. Even with improved software abstractions, widespread commercial adoption may still lag behind investor expectations. Hardware limitations—fragility, error rates, and cost—could persist for longer than anticipated.
- Competition: The field is heating up, with a growing number of deep-pocketed competitors (e.g., Zapata Computing, Xanadu, Rigetti, and even Microsoft itself with Azure Quantum). The race to become the de facto operating system of quantum computing is likely to be intense and unpredictable.
- Dependency on Hardware Advances: While hardware-agnostic, Classiq’s platform is ultimately limited by the progress of the machines it seeks to support. Should a disruptive new quantum architecture emerge that is incompatible with their abstractions, or if hardware progress stalls, the company could face existential pressure.
- Talent Acquisition: Doubling its headcount in one year is an ambitious expansion for a highly technical, highly specialized company. The risk of dilution of culture or onboarding challenges is not trivial.
Critical Analysis: Is the Microsoft Analogy Justified?
Minerbi’s analogy—setting Classiq’s sights on being the Microsoft of quantum computing—serves as a powerful rallying cry both inside and outside the firm. But how well does it stand up to scrutiny?Microsoft’s dominance was built in large part on rapidly commoditizing hardware and an enormous pent-up demand for user-friendly PCs. The quantum ecosystem is structurally different—hardware remains scarce and exceptionally costly, while present-day demand is largely driven by big industry R&D rather than consumer enthusiasm. For Classiq to replicate Windows' success, they will need both a sustained jump in hardware maturity and a killer app that demonstrates clear quantum advantage, something the industry is chasing but has not yet tangibly achieved.
Moreover, classifying quantum’s “software stack” as a single technology or platform may ultimately prove simplistic. Unlike the PC era, where Wintel compatibility won the day, the quantum stack could fragment along divergent hardware, programming language, or even geopolitical lines.
Still, if one company is positioned to shepherd quantum computing past its teething pains and into true business-case territory, Classiq’s bets on high-level tools, flexibility, and interoperability place it among the frontrunners. Their adoption by major enterprises and partnerships with top-tier cloud providers are positive signals, though the road ahead will require nimble adaptation to shifting technological sands.
Outlook: The Long Game
Quantum computing is not a winner-takes-all race, nor is its path to mainstream relevance guaranteed—there are too many technical, economic, and political obstacles yet to clear. Yet even as timelines stretch and hype cycles wax and wane, the need for robust, accessible software tools remains acute. Just as few people today need to understand transistor physics to write powerful applications, so too the field needs a new generation of abstractions for quantum.Whether or not Classiq becomes “the Microsoft” of this field, its progress is vital to closing the gap between quantum promise and quantum reality. By lowering the barrier to entry and fostering an ecosystem where new ideas can flourish, it is acting as both catalyst and enabler of the next computing revolution.
For businesses, governments, and technologists watching from the sidelines, now is the time to experiment, partner, and prepare. The coming decade will likely determine which players define the future of computing—and which nations harness its power for prosperity and security. Israel and Classiq have put their marker down; the rest of the world should take note.
Source: allisrael.com Israeli startup seeks to become Microsoft of quantum computing
