Company Will Build and Deploy Intermediate-Scale Test Systems and America’s First Utility-Scale Quantum Computer at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PsiQuantum today broke ground on the company’s site at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago, where America’s first million-qubit scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer will be built and deployed. Prof. Jeremy O’Brien, PsiQuantum co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and other elected officials, business leaders, and local community stakeholders from the State of Illinois, Cook County, and City of Chicago, for a groundbreaking ceremony at the former U.S. Steel South Works site.
As the anchor tenant at the IQMP at Quantum Shore, PsiQuantum’s site will be developed in several phases, with the possibility of future expansion across additional acreage. During the initial construction phase at the IQMP—alongside development partners Related Midwest and CRG, construction partner Clayco, lead designer Lamar Johnson Collaborative, advisor Croke Fairchild, and financing provided by Blue Owl Capital funds—PsiQuantum will build its largest intermediate-scale test system. This test system will further validate PsiQuantum’s systems and architecture and will be directly evaluated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) team of experts through the final stage of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program. PsiQuantum will then begin construction on additional phases at the IQMP, and ultimately deploy the first million-qubit scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in the United States at the site.
In July 2024, PsiQuantum announced a comprehensive partnership with the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to locate the company’s first U.S.-based fault-tolerant system at the IQMP, following a competitive nationwide search.
“Breaking ground on the largest quantum computing project in America is the result of hard work, close partnership, and a shared commitment to unlock the full potential of quantum computing,” said Prof. Jeremy O’Brien, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “While hard work still lies ahead, I am confident that PsiQuantum, with the continued support of our partners in the public sector, the private sector, and the local community, is poised to finally build and deploy quantum computing—right here on Chicago’s South Side.”
“I’ve spent the last decade working with colleagues around the world to bring this technology to the level of maturity where we are ready to begin construction of these much larger systems,” said Dr. Pete Shadbolt, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. “Chicago has an unparalleled combination of science and technology investment, world-class universities and National Labs, and a legendary history of industrial might—this is the foundry in which the future of this technology will be forged.”
Today’s event follows PsiQuantum’s September 10 announcement that the company has raised over $1 billion in funding for its Series E round, which will also equip the company to break ground on its utility-scale quantum computing site in Brisbane, Australia, in addition to further advancing the performance of its quantum photonic chips and fault-tolerant architecture. Many paths to utility-scale quantum computing face steep challenges in manufacturability, cooling, networking, and control electronics. PsiQuantum’s photonic approach addresses these challenges by leveraging high-volume semiconductor manufacturing, tapping into existing cooling technology and infrastructure, and networking with conventional telecom fiber.
The groundbreaking ceremony at PsiQuantum’s IQMP facilities drew statements of support from elected officials and other leaders across Illinois, including:
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker: “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. 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.”
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton: “As a lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side and someone raising my family here, I’m proud to see our administration continuing to make critical investments that bring jobs, innovation, and opportunity to our community. With the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and investments from pioneering companies like PsiQuantum, our state is positioned as a world leader in quantum technology, and it’s happening because the Pritzker-Stratton administration has worked tirelessly alongside our partners to make it a reality. This is another example of how bold investments into our future can create real benefits for families today, especially in communities that have too often been overlooked.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois: “Illinois is leading our country in the quantum revolution. As we break ground on the IQMP campus, with PsiQuantum as our anchor tenant, Illinois is establishing itself as a global hub for quantum research and investment. The IQMP campus is an outstanding example of what’s possible when our federal government, world-class National Labs, renowned universities, and local business leaders come together.”
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois: “Illinois is already a major hub of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, and thanks to investments like these, we’re also becoming a national and international leader for quantum technology. From strengthening our national security to helping cure diseases, the sky is the limit for quantum—and this groundbreaking shows that Illinois is the best place to build and advance this technology. I’ll keep working in the Senate to help ensure our state’s quantum projects have the federal support and oversight they need, and I’m excited to see PsiQuantum’s new Chicago facilities make scientific breakthroughs and bring jobs to the region in the years ahead.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: “The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is about more than technology, it is about transformation for South Chicago. This investment will bring new jobs and educational pathways while also paving the way for expanded health care and community amenities, including a new Advocate Health hospital and expanded access to the lakefront. Together we are showing what it looks like when innovation uplifts neighborhoods and creates lasting benefits for residents.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle: “Today’s historic Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park groundbreaking stands as an international reminder that world-class, future-focused technological opportunities and advancements can—and will—be born not just in Silicon Valley but on the southeast side of Chicago. Cook County is proud to be a part of history as we are not just building a quantum computing hub, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all residents of our region.”
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02): “I am excited to see PsiQuantum break ground at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to build America’s first million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum computer right here in the Second District. This project brings world-class innovation and good jobs to Chicago’s South Side. For years, I’ve championed the IQMP because I believe in the power of science and technology to transform communities. This project positions Illinois to lead the future of quantum computing.”
IQMP Executive Director and CEO Dr. Harley Johnson: “Today’s groundbreaking marks a pivotal step in creating a home for the full spectrum of quantum innovation—from computing to advanced microelectronics and quantum engineering. PsiQuantum’s role as anchor tenant underscores the strength of this vision, and they will be joined by a growing community of global companies and research partners. Together, we are building the nation’s most dynamic quantum ecosystem, one that will drive innovation, jobs, and economic growth for generations to come.”
Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George: “Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to Illinois’ leadership as a global hub for tech and innovation. This Park is an unprecedented opportunity for our state to advance critical technologies and economic opportunity, and Illinois EDC is a proud partner. This unique endeavor will provide an ecosystem for PsiQuantum and the IQMP’s other tenants to uplift the future of Chicago’s South Side and all of Illinois, while advancing scientific endeavors that could impact us all.”
About PsiQuantum
PsiQuantum was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The company’s mission is to build and deploy the world’s first useful quantum computers. PsiQuantum’s photonic approach enables it to leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing, existing cryogenic infrastructure, and architectural flexibility to rapidly scale its systems. Learn more at www.psiquantum.com.
Contacts
