Summary:
IBM is relocating its research scientists from the Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California, to its Silicon Valley Lab, raising uncertainty about the future of the historic Almaden site. While IBM has not confirmed whether Almaden will be shut down or if other staff will be laid off, internal silence and forum speculation suggest the site may close by year’s end.
Almaden, established in 1986, played a key role in IBM’s technological legacy, contributing to major innovations like the hard disk drive and relational databases. The move was publicly confirmed by Jay Gambetta, VP of Quantum at IBM, who emphasized continuity of research and innovation, though employees were reportedly instructed not to discuss the move publicly.
The shift aligns with IBM’s broader pattern of relocations—reflected in the company nickname “I’ve Been Moved”—and coincides with corporate strategies encouraging on-site work. Critics say these are tactics to prompt voluntary resignations from long-tenured, higher-cost employees. Additionally, IBM recently announced layoffs in Texas and the demolition of its former Endicott, NY facility, further underscoring its changing footprint.
Despite no official word on Almaden’s fate, current and former researchers are expressing dismay, mourning the likely end of an iconic research institution.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/07/10/ibm_almaden_research_center/?td=