Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate new quantum hub on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO - Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum's facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago's South Side - marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

"With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future."

The IQMP is a first-of-its-kind park designed to support the growth of quantum technology and advanced microelectronics research. It aims to bring together companies, researchers, suppliers and other partners to progress the development of quantum both in Illinois and globally. These technologies have the potential to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, such as improving health care, energy, the climate crises, transportation, finance and agriculture.

PsiQuantum, the Park's first tenant, will host the first utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer. According to MIT Technology Review, without error correction, quantum computers cannot perform the complex calculations needed for their full potential - including highly accurate chemistry simulations to discover new materials and medications.

Through the initial stages, IQMP and its partners have made community engagement and workforce development a core priority - hosting dozens of meetings with residents, educators, small businesses, community groups and faith institutions to ensure local voices shape the Park's development. They are also investing in the next generation of talent, exposing students to quantum concepts from K-12 through postsecondary programs at City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago State University and beyond. Building on the state's broader workforce initiatives, these efforts position IQMP not only as a global hub for innovation but also as a committed partner advancing opportunity, inclusion and prosperity on Chicago's South Side.

"The South Chicago community has faced decades of industrial disinvestment, particularly since the closure of U.S. Steel South Works - a major employer in the neighborhood - in 1992," said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). "This partnership with PsiQuantum marks a unique opportunity for the state and South Side residents, allowing us to build on the legacy our mills left by bringing new technology, economic activity and jobs to the area. I'll remain connected with our community throughout development to ensure the voices of our residents are represented every step of the way."

Bringing the Park to full scale is expected to drive billions in economic impact and create thousands of jobs within the state. The Park will also be home to a growing roster of global companies, including IBM, Diraq and Infleqtion.