Governor Pritzker Announces Renewal and Expansion of IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined leaders from IBM and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to announce the renewal and the expansion of the IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, a forward step for Illinois’ fast-growing quantum and AI ecosystem which highlights the state’s continued commitment to strengthening our workforce to develop the next‑generation of computing.

“I’m pleased to see the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute building on years of progress and partnership with U. of I. as Illinois innovators pursue critical discoveries in quantum computing and AI,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois’ world-class research institutions, unique industry collaborations, and unmatched research talent position our state at the forefront of global progress, and I look forward to seeing the countless advancements that this expansion will bring.”

“IBM is thrilled to help provide quantum-centric supercomputing to Illinois researchers, alongside an expansion of the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute’s efforts in AI for systems design,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow. “As the brilliant minds within the Institute discover and test new algorithms, they will drive groundbreaking research to power the applications made possible by AI and quantum computing.”

Preparing for Careers of the Future

Since launching in 2021, the IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute has delivered more than 230 research publications and advanced 20 active projects across AI, quantum computing, and other emerging fields. The institute has expanded access to cutting-edge STEM education and workforce training, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies.

With locations at Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago and Urbana, the expanded Institute will give Illinois students, researchers, and companies access to some of the most advanced computing tools in the world — helping scientists test new ideas, speed up discoveries, and solve big challenges in fields like healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. By connecting the University of Illinois’ supercomputers with IBM’s cloud-based quantum computers, Illinois will become one of only a few places where this level of technology is available.

Over the next five years, the Institute will grow research programs, strengthen partnerships with industry, and expand hands-on training so Illinoisans can build skills for fast-growing careers in AI, quantum computing, and advanced tech. The Institute’s expansion further cements the Illinois’ role as the #1 state for workforce development in the Midwest and #3 nationwide. The Institute will build on that foundation, providing students with exposure to AI and quantum technologies and creating a direct talent pipeline for the AI and quantum companies growing operations in Illinois. The announcement also comes as the Gov. Pritzker has directed through executive action to create a State Attainment Working Group to recommend a new state attainment goal for postsecondary degrees and credentials of value to meet the workforce needs of the future.

“Our goal with the expansion is to build on past successes and continue advancing the institute’s impact,” said Deming Chen, IIDAI co-director and Abel Bliss Professor of Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering. “We aim to reach new heights in the next five years. Our students have expressed appreciation to both Illinois and IBM for involvement in a truly unique program. They benefit from working on-site at IBM — gaining access to advanced computing resources and mentorship by IBM colleagues — while continuing to make progress on their thesis.”

“The Grainger College of Engineering is thrilled to host this flagship partnership with IBM to define the future of how AI, quantum and supercomputing will come together for the greatest impact,” said Rashid Bashir, dean of The Grainger College of Engineering and vice chancellor of Chicago strategic partnerships with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Additionally, the Institute’s presence in Chicago at the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) will allow for greater integration with IBM and the Chicago quantum ecosystem.”

“Collaborative efforts like the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute foster strong connections and advance discovery in areas such as AI, quantum and supercomputing,” said Susan Martinis, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “The Institute is a wonderful example of how Illinois research partners with industry to create momentum and drive innovations that will change the world.”

Gov. Pritzker’s Leadership in Quantum Computing

This expansion builds on Illinois’ major public investments to make the state the nation’s center of quantum innovation. Under Gov. Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has built the ecosystem necessary to make this a reality. The administration has committed $500 million to launch the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and previously invested $200 million to support the Chicago Quantum Exchange — the first state in the country to make that level of commitment to quantum research.

At IQMP, IBM has already announced it will install its cutting-edge IBM Quantum System Two computer and partner with the state to establish the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC), a first-of-its-kind hub that will bring researchers, companies, and students together to develop quantum solutions to real-world challenges. Illinois’ investment has also attracted pioneering companies like PsiQuantum, Diraq, and Infleqtion, helping build the largest concentration of quantum activity in North America and laying the foundation for thousands of new jobs and billions in economic impact across the Chicago region.

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