Gov. Pritzker Announces Location and PsiQuantum as Anchor Tenant of New Quantum Park

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker was joined by federal, state, and local leaders and partners to reveal the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park’s (IQMP) location at USX on the South Side of Chicago and announce the quantum campus’ first anchor tenant – PsiQuantum. As the leading quantum computing company focused on building the first useful, error-corrected quantum computer, PsiQuantum will drive innovation, competitive research, and economic growth in Illinois.

“PsiQuantum brings years of foundational research and scientific groundwork, a clear and comprehensive business and tech development strategy, and a global reputation as a pioneer in quantum computing applications—I am thrilled to welcome them to Chicago and have them as a partner in the work ahead of us,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our vision of Illinois as a global quantum capital comes further into focus at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, providing limitless opportunities for economic investment and innovation right here on the South Side.”

"We are igniting a quantum revolution right here in Illinois," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This historic investment goes beyond building a quantum campus; it's a launch pad for groundbreaking creativity and research. By positioning Illinois as a global leader in quantum technology, we are ensuring the resilience of our economy and promoting job opportunities for the future."

“Governor Pritzker and his administration have made extraordinary progress in establishing the state as a global leader in quantum computing, and PsiQuantum is thrilled to partner with them and anchor the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park,” said Prof. Jeremy O’Brien, PsiQuantum CEO and co-founder. “The IQMP will serve as a hub for the state’s thriving quantum ecosystem, and we can think of no better place to build the first utility-scale quantum computer in the United States.”

Through PsiQuantum’s 300,000-square-foot footprint at the IQMP, with room to grow, the company will work with customers, including Fortune 500 companies, to identify problems and develop fault-tolerant algorithms that will run on the IQMP system to deliver answers to customers. At least 150 new PsiQuantum jobs will be created at the IQMP, including system maintenance engineers, mechanical engineers, cryogenic plant technicians, test and assembly managers, and non-technical roles in finance, sales, supply chain, human resources, and more.

“Illinois has long held the spirit of invention, innovation, and leadership. The USX quantum computing campus, with PsiQuantum as the anchor tenant, further establishes Illinois as a global hub for quantum research and investment,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “With our growing partnership with the Department of Defense, the strength of our National Labs, the expertise of our universities, and the ambition of our business leaders, Illinois will continue to champion quantum technologies and industries of the future.”

“Illinois is a leader in our country’s quantum revolution—we’re making it clear that we’re ready to compete and have the projects and innovation to bring our state, nation and world into the future,” U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. “I’m proud that Illinois’s new quantum campus will help bring significant innovation, investment and jobs to Chicago’s Southeast Side, and I’ll keep working to help support our state’s growing quantum industry from the federal level in any way I can.”

“Quantum technology is one of the critical industries of tomorrow, and the EDA-designated Bloch Tech Hub and the Illinois Quantum Park, with the strong partnership from the Governor, solidify Chicago as a burgeoning leader in quantum. This is place-based, innovation-forward economic development at its best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities. We look forward to an exciting, collaborative partnership with the consortium and its network to solidify America’s technological edge, and ensure the good-paying jobs this industry creates start, grow, and remain in the United States,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo

“The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park represents a generational opportunity for Illinois to secure its position as a leader in quantum computing and innovation,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “With PsiQuantum as an anchor tenant, the quantum campus’ vibrant atmosphere will create thousands of job opportunities with multiple tenants while bolstering economic growth throughout Illinois.”

“PsiQuantum has proven it is an industry leader in quantum computing, an emerging technology that will have significant global implications. It has never been clearer to the U.S. and our allies that where critical technologies are developed and manufactured is of the utmost importance to our economic and national security,” said PsiQuantum Government Advisory Board Member Michèle Flournoy. “With PsiQuantum’s partnership with the Australian government to build their first system in Brisbane and now today’s announcement that Chicago and Illinois are on a path to become home to America's first utility-scale quantum computer, PsiQuantum is leading the race to develop this critical technology.”

The Chicago site has 128 acres ready for immediate development and an additional 312 acres available for expansion. Its strategic location near Lake Michigan and the Calumet River will provide the water sources needed for cooling, and the site can accommodate the large power needs. The park is strategically located to take advantage of Illinois’ top tier infrastructure with interstate, rail and water access along with close proximity to partners including the University of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

The quantum campus will also be the location of the State of Illinois’ new partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), designed to explore the potential of quantum computing in Illinois. Through the Quantum Proving Ground program, quantum computing prototypes will be tested and evaluated as part of DARPA’s new Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. This partnership is the result of investments made during the Pritzker administration in quantum research and infrastructure, in addition to the state’s strong local workforce, research, and university partners.

IQMP is projected to generate up to $20 billion in economic impact and create thousands of jobs. Additional tenants will be announced in the coming months.

PsiQuantum’s total incentive package from the State of Illinois, which includes Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO), capital grants, workforce development assistance, a low interest loan and other incentives, is valued at $200 million. The MICRO agreement specifies a minimum company investment of $1.09 billion and the creation of at least 154 full-time jobs. A link to the full MICRO agreement can be found here.

Illinois is investing $500 million to build out its quantum campus where Fortune 500 companies and startups in quantum computing can co-locate with each other, as well as with federal research offices, national laboratories, and universities. This campus will result in commercialization opportunities for Illinois entrepreneurs, make Illinois an even more desirable destination for federal research grants, and attract leading global technology companies.

Governor Pritzker has made investing in quantum computing a major priority for his administration. In addition to the half a billion-dollar investment in the quantum campus, Illinois previously invested $200 million to support the Chicago Quantum Exchange, the first state to make that large of a commitment to quantum.

"Today, Illinois plants a flag and reminds the world of the leadership role we play in technology,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I can’t think of a better location to send that message. This site connects the power of our past with the promise for our future."

"Illinois' bright minds, world-class educational institutions, and innovative tech sector make the perfect ecosystem for this exciting next generation of computing and this next step in building a 21st Century economy," said Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "As we continue working to attract quality businesses and create cutting-edge jobs, this is another example of the smart investments that will help our state thrive." 

"We are at a pivotal moment in history as we launch the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, with PsiQuantum as our anchor tenant,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This groundbreaking initiative underscores our commitment to making our region a global leader in technology and innovation. By creating a dedicated space for quantum computing, we are not only fostering economic growth and job creation but also solidifying our position at the forefront of scientific advancement. The collaboration between Cook County, the City of Chicago and our state partners highlights our unified vision for a prosperous, equitable future in Cook County and throughout Illinois.”

Cook County is a key partner in the IQMP initiative, demonstrating its commitment to driving technological innovation and economic growth. To support this groundbreaking project, Cook County is considering a new property tax incentive for approval by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. This incentive would foster a favorable environment to drive economic development on the southeast side. In addition to this incentive, Cook County will commit $5 million to help establish the quantum computing hub at the USX site.

“The continued collaboration between Governor JB Pritzker and his administration, DCEO, our incredible partners and the Intersect Illinois team has been instrumental in encouraging transformative new industries, like quantum and microelectronics, to set down roots here in our state,” said John Atkinson, Chairman of Intersect Illinois. “The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park will build on our strong existing ecosystem to further establish our state as a global leader in quantum, and I look forward to seeing the progress of this extraordinary, first-of-its-kind campus.”

“We thank PsiQuantum for betting big on the Chicagoland region and Illinois, and applaud Governor Pritzker for his vision and pursuit of this quantum opportunity. ​ Between this project, our existing world-class quantum ecosystem, and the recent investments in quantum campus development and quantum research and development, Illinois is on the path to becoming a global leader in what will be one of the most consequential technological developments of the 21st century,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

We’re thrilled by today’s announcement the former U.S. Steel site in Chicago will become a global hub for quantum computing. Led by PsiQuantum, this development will shape the world for generations to come as we harness this game-changing technology to tackle some of our most pressing challenges. Quantum has the power to drastically transform industries vital to the economy, including manufacturing, biopharmaceutical development, national defense and cyber security,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We’re proud to work collaboratively with Governor Pritzker’s office, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, world-class universities, national laboratories, and others to create an ecosystem that has put our state at the forefront of the quantum revolution.

“ComEd is excited to power the new quantum computing hub in Illinois and promote a thriving quantum ecosystem in this region,” said Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd. “These advancements in processing data have the potential to supercharge our ability to solve the most complex problems in science, energy and business. By providing unparalleled access to clean power, with industry-leading reliability, ComEd is uniquely positioned to enable quantum computing, along with the job creation and community investment that come with it.”

“I am thrilled that PsiQuantum is coming to the Second District in Illinois to advance quantum research. The new campus will bring jobs, innovation, and economic growth to the South Side,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). “USX on the South Side of Chicago is a prime lakefront location with hundreds of acres for businesses, but it hasn’t been developed since the steel industry left decades ago. Not too far away at the University of Chicago, researchers participated in the Manhattan Project. This is an opportunity for the neighborhood to lead once again in the 21st Century.”

“The southeast side of Chicago – with its wide range of talented people, valuable resources, and expertise – ​ has a history of working-class leadership that has helped build our country’s middle class,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “The Quantum and Microelectronics Park fits within that history and will support innovation within our state. I anticipate widespread benefits, including accelerated progress, job creation, and increased investments at both state and national levels.”

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