On July 24, at the Global Quantum Forum in Chicago, IBM and the University of Chicago announced their plan to provide resources and support to Duality startups. The aim is to develop quantum software and explore algorithms that could enhance the potential of quantum computers. This includes access to the IBM Quantum System Two, which will be deployed at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Selected startups will receive funding from IBM, along with access to IBM’s quantum computers over the cloud and technical expertise.
Duality is recognized as the nation's first quantum startup accelerator, led by multiple research and industry leaders such as the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Founding partners include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Argonne National Laboratory, and P33. This initiative expands IBM’s support for UChicago's goal of developing a pipeline of quantum computing startups while reinforcing Midwest's leadership in quantum innovation.
“The University of Chicago is proud to play a leading role in building the quantum economy—advancing breakthrough science, supporting startups and shaping technologies that will power everything from the highest-resolution sensors to next-generation computing. Partnering with IBM reflects the kind of cross-sector collaboration that makes Chicago’s quantum ecosystem so strong. Together, we’re not just accelerating innovation—we’re helping secure the nation’s technological future,” said Nadya Mason, Interim Vice President for Science, Innovation, and Partnerships at UChicago.
The new plan continues longstanding collaborations between IBM, UChicago, and other organizations across Illinois. It includes plans for establishing a National Quantum Algorithm Center at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Announced last December, this center will initially operate out of Discovery Partners Institute and UChicago.
The National Quantum Algorithm Center aims to bring together experts across industries to uncover unknown algorithms leveraging quantum-centric supercomputing. This combines both quantum and classical supercomputing resources across workflows.
IBM has been collaborating since 2023 with universities in Japan and South Korea to prepare students for careers in quantum computing over ten years. Additionally, IBM's commitment extends through its partnership with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under their decade-long collaboration announced in 2021 focusing on technical skills development across various fields including AI & sustainability.
“We are excited to support startups selected through Duality’s track exploring new algorithm developments poised foundationally towards our mission delivering useful computations," said Jay Gambetta from IBM Quantum."
“This collaboration underscores our commitment growing dynamic ecosystems beyond state lines,” added Emily Fontaine from IBM Ventures." By equipping these ventures within accelerators like Duality using cutting-edge technology coupled alongside deep domain expertise –we accelerate innovations empowering tomorrow's leaders shaping futures."
Funding expected via planned tracks provided directly through corporate venture capital fund operated by firm investing heavily into enterprise-related sectors encompassing both artificial intelligence alongside computational sciences alike today."
Recent announcements also feature initiatives supporting startup growth within broader university ecosystem itself: UChicago Science Incubator located Hyde Park Labs offers early-stage companies necessary infrastructure required testing purposes; Harper Court Ventures launched earlier year targets high-impact sector investments totaling $25 million formal agreements established jointly institutionally too!"
Since launching back during initial phases around 2021 timeframe now supported upwards twenty-five different entities raising collectively more than fifty-million dollars further follow-on rounds ongoing network expansion involving academia corporations investors alike simultaneously moving forward continuously evolving landscape ahead long-term outlook positive promising trajectory overall picture painted thus far seems optimistic indeed!