Chicago Quantum Exchange, now a leading forum, brings together quantum researchers, innovators, and leaders to translate breakthroughs into real-world solutions. Over two days, attendees will explore cutting-edge research, commercialisation efforts, and societal impacts of quantum technologies. With keynotes from top scientists and policymakers, the summit highlights the CQE’s mission to build a full-spectrum quantum ecosystem. This year’s program features three content tracks and showcases 12 rising quantum stars awarded the Boeing Quantum Creators Prize.
Shaping the Quantum Future Through Global Collaboration
Now in its eighth year, the Chicago Quantum Summit serves as a crucial forum for fostering global collaboration within the rapidly evolving quantum landscape. The event uniquely convenes researchers, innovators, and leaders to address the challenges and opportunities presented by quantum technologies, emphasising the need for a unified, international approach. Cathy Foley, summit keynote speaker and former chief scientist of Australia, articulated this sentiment, stressing the importance of combining expertise from various nations to build a robust quantum ecosystem.
Building on this foundation, the summit’s focus extends beyond theoretical advancements to encompass the practical considerations of scaling and deploying quantum solutions. Foley explained that Australia contributes deep expertise in areas like quantum theory, materials science, device fabrication, and sensing technologies. Meanwhile, the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the broader U.S. network offer scale, critical testbeds, and a well-developed supply chain, creating a synergistic partnership. This collaborative spirit extends to prioritising responsible growth through the establishment of interoperable standards, robust benchmarking processes, and dedicated workforce development initiatives. Such measures are essential for fostering industry confidence and ensuring societal trust in the outcomes of quantum technologies.
The comprehensive approach championed by the Chicago Quantum Summit aligns with the mission of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, which guides the event’s content and direction. This year’s summit features keynotes from prominent figures, including Paul Dabbar, the deputy secretary of the U. S. Department of Commerce, and Darío Gil, undersecretary for science in the U. S. Department of Energy. With content organised into three tracks: Frontiers, Innovations, and Futures. The summit addresses the entire quantum value chain, from fundamental discovery to real-world impact. Recent advancements, such as the 3,000-qubit quantum computing system developed by a team from MIT and Harvard University, will be represented, demonstrating the accelerating pace of innovation and the need for continued international collaboration.
Advancing Quantum Breakthroughs from Research to Real-World Impact
Building on the momentum of recent advancements, the 2025 Chicago Quantum Summit will showcase tangible progress in translating quantum research into practical applications. A key focus will be on developments that exceed theoretical limitations, such as the recent announcement by a team at MIT and Harvard University. They unveiled a 3,000-qubit quantum computing system capable of continuous operation for two hours, a significant leap towards sustained quantum computation. This extended coherence time is crucial for executing complex algorithms and solving problems currently intractable for classical computers, opening doors to breakthroughs in materials science and drug discovery.
“This is a truly exciting time to be working in the quantum technology sector, with advances happening more rapidly than anyone predicted”
Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics David Awschalom, University of Chicago
The summit’s “Innovations” track will highlight companies actively bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and commercial products. Several organisations are now focused on error-mitigation techniques, which are essential for achieving reliable results from noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. According to sources, these techniques involve sophisticated software and hardware solutions designed to reduce the impact of quantum decoherence. Furthermore, the summit will feature discussions on standardised benchmarking, enabling meaningful comparisons across quantum platforms and accelerating the development of industry-ready quantum solutions. The goal is to move beyond simply demonstrating quantum supremacy to delivering quantifiable advantages in real-world applications.
This emphasis on practical impact extends to the development of quantum sensors and networks. Mikhail Lukin, co-director of the university’s Quantum Science and Engineering Initiative, detailed in a recent Nature paper the potential of these technologies in areas such as medical imaging and secure communication. The summit will explore how these advancements can be integrated into existing infrastructure to create a hybrid quantum-classical ecosystem. Experts will discuss the challenges of scaling quantum networks, including the need for efficient quantum repeaters and robust error correction protocols. Ultimately, the summit aims to foster a collaborative environment where researchers, innovators, and investors can work together to unlock the full potential of quantum technologies and address pressing global challenges.
The 2025 Chicago Quantum Summit, hosted by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, underscores a pivotal shift toward integrating quantum research with practical application. This collaborative approach, aligning strengths across institutions and nations, like the US network and Australian expertise, is essential for responsible growth. For industries reliant on advanced computation and sensing, this represents a pathway toward solutions for previously intractable challenges.
The implications extend beyond quantum computing itself, potentially impacting fields from materials science to global sensing networks. Cathy Foley emphasized the need for interoperability and workforce development, suggesting a focus on building confidence for sustained investment. Ultimately, the CQE’s model demonstrates how to stitch together diverse capabilities, enabling a full-spectrum quantum ecosystem to address urgent global needs.
