Building the Future of Quantum Computing: PsiQuantum, a Palo Alto-based startup, is set to revolutionize quantum computing with its recent decision to build and operate a quantum computer facility in Chicago. Announced on July 25, the move promises to bring up to 150 jobs to the city over the next five years and establish a major presence in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. This quantum campus will be developed at the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works plant on Chicago’s South Side, near the mouth of the Calumet River.
PsiQuantum aims to construct a 300,000-square-foot Quantum Computer Operations Center, positioning it to create the first U.S.-based, utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. The site will also host the Illinois-DARPA Quantum Proving Ground, a multimillion-dollar initiative announced on July 16. This proving ground will further bolster the state’s leadership in quantum technology.
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The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is expected to become a significant quantum research and development hub. PsiQuantum's partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) reinforces this vision. The CQE, based at the University of Chicago, connects leading universities, national labs, and industry partners to advance quantum technology.
State and University Support
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized investing in quantum partnerships, research, and infrastructure. “Considering the endless potential quantum computing technology holds, we must commit to quantum partnerships, research, and infrastructure across our nation,” Pritzker stated. “In Illinois, we’re leading the charge with this first-of-its-kind quantum park to unite stakeholders, experts, and future generations of quantum leaders.”
University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of great research institutions and universities in fostering innovation ecosystems. "By working together, we can do this with PsiQuantum, and we can do even more to build out the ecosystem that is all around us," Alivisatos said.
The Role of the Chicago Quantum Exchange
Since its inception in 2017, the CQE has created a robust regional quantum ecosystem. David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago and director of the CQE, expressed enthusiasm about PsiQuantum's arrival. “We are delighted to welcome CQE partner PsiQuantum to our vibrant region, and we look forward to their residency, and DARPA’s, on the new quantum campus on Chicago’s South Side,” Awschalom said.
The CQE has played a pivotal role in connecting academic, industry, and government partners to advance research, build the future quantum workforce, and develop a sustainable quantum economy. The organization includes seven member institutions, such as the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermilab.
Economic and Educational Impact
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is expected to provide a significant economic boost to Chicago’s South Side. Governor Pritzker has allocated $500 million for quantum technologies in the FY2025 state budget, much of which is designated for this campus. The park will feature shared cryogenic facilities, equipment labs, and research spaces for private companies and universities.
PsiQuantum will collaborate with several CQE members, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University. These partnerships will focus on research projects and developing educational programs in quantum applications. PsiQuantum’s technology, which uses single particles of light or photons, leverages existing semiconductor manufacturing processes and cryogenic cooling technology to advance quantum computing.
Continued Investments and Future Prospects
The Chicago region has already attracted more than $1 billion in government investment for quantum technologies, including the $500 million from the FY2025 budget and a previously announced $200 million for quantum technology facilities. The state recently introduced a business development package with quantum tax incentives to attract further investment.
Chicago has become a focal point for quantum research, receiving $280 million for four of the 10 National Quantum Initiative Act research centres. Corporate investments have also poured in, with IBM contributing $100 million and Google $50 million to support quantum computing initiatives at the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo.
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The new quantum campus is projected to create thousands of jobs and generate up to $60 billion in economic impact for Chicago’s South Side. Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated PsiQuantum’s investment as a transformative project for the city. “PsiQuantum’s investment in the City of Chicago is a groundbreaking leap into the future, making our city the proud home of America’s first utility-scale quantum computer,” Johnson said. “This monumental project will revolutionize the fields of medicine and clean energy, creating countless jobs and driving economic growth.”
Conclusion
PsiQuantum’s move to Chicago marks a significant milestone in the city’s evolution as a global hub for quantum computing. With robust support from state and university partners, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is poised to become a leading centre for quantum research, innovation, and economic growth. As PsiQuantum and the CQE continue to collaborate, the future of quantum technology in Chicago looks promising, promising to drive advancements across various sectors and create a dynamic, future-ready workforce. For additional stories like this, check out Education Post News.
