Leaders from industry, government, and academic institutions gathered on September 30 to mark the groundbreaking of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on Chicago’s far South Side. The new facility is located at the former U.S. Steel South Works plant and is intended to serve as a center for quantum technology scale-up and advanced microelectronics research.
The park will be anchored by PsiQuantum, a startup focused on building what it describes as the first utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer. Other tenants include major global companies such as IBM, Diraq, and Infleqtion. Organizers state that the IQMP will represent the largest concentration of quantum activity in North America.
Illinois officials expect the park to have a significant economic impact in the region, projecting it could generate more than $20 billion over several years and create thousands of jobs.
“Today we break ground on a landmark project that will establish Illinois as the nation’s leading hub for quantum innovation while attracting billions in economic investment and creating thousands of jobs,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “This milestone is made possible by a unique partnership across city, county, state, and private industry, uniting talent and investment to create jobs, drive economic growth, and secure Illinois’ leadership in a technology that will tackle tomorrow’s greatest challenges. With trailblazing companies like PsiQuantum and a growing roster of innovators calling IQMP home, we will position Illinois as the global leader in quantum innovation, unlocking new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs and economic advancement right here on the South Side.”
The IQMP aims to support an ecosystem of researchers, suppliers, end users, and other partners working toward advancing quantum technologies. These technologies are seen as having potential applications across health care, energy, climate change mitigation, transportation, financial services, and agriculture.
"This groundbreaking shows how powerful it is when universities, industry, and government come together to build the future,” said Nadya Mason, dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. “At UChicago we are grateful for these partnerships and investments, which are helping to build a world-leading quantum ecosystem and ensuring Illinois remains at the center of the quantum economy."
PsiQuantum is collaborating with multiple Illinois research institutions—including UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering—on research projects and educational initiatives related to quantum applications. The University of Chicago’s Pritzker School became both the first school dedicated to molecular engineering in 2015 and was also first in offering a Ph.D. program specifically in quantum engineering.
PsiQuantum is also partnered with the Chicago Quantum Exchange—a hub based at University of Chicago that brings together universities, national laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratory (a U.S. Department of Energy facility affiliated with UChicago), Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory), and industry partners—to advance work in this field. The city also hosts Duality: an accelerator program dedicated exclusively to supporting startups working on quantum innovation.
“Fermilab is excited to have another state-of-the-art quantum facility in Illinois that will bring together the strengths and capabilities of so many leading quantum experts and provide more pathways for the quantum workforce in Illinois,” said Young-Kee Kim, interim director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Professor of Physics at University of Chicago.“The IQMP is another example of how the national laboratories’ collaboration with universities and businesses strengthens innovation ecosystems and supports the U.S. Department of Energy goals for quantum research.”
“Congratulations to all who made this groundbreaking of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park possible,” said Paul Kearns, director of Argonne National Laboratory.“Our laboratory is honored to be part of this growing network of research institutions, companies, and government agencies dedicated to driving quantum information science forward for the country. Together we will make the Quantum Prairie the national epicenter of quantum research, opening new frontiers for America's quantum future.”
Community engagement forms part of IQMP’s mission alongside workforce development efforts. Plans include construction of a 53-bed Advocate Health Care hospital within its grounds; expansion or improvement over 100 acres worth parkland; plus creation recreational paths connecting local neighborhoods with Steelworkers Park—the lakefront—and other community features such as historic ore walls.
Education initiatives tied into IQMP involve exposing students from K-12 through postsecondary programs—including those offered by City Colleges of Chicago or Chicago State University—to concepts relevant for future careers in quantum technology fields.
“The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is about more than technology; it is about transformation for South Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.“This investment will bring new jobs and educational pathways while also paving way for expanded health care community amenities—including new Advocate Health hospital expanded access lakefront.Together we are showing what it looks like when innovation uplifts neighborhoods creates lasting benefits residents.”