IBM officially unveiled the Quantum System Two in Chicago on November 6, 2026, deploying its most advanced quantum computer and marking a key moment for quantum development in Illinois. The new system, initially hosted by the University of Chicago at Hyde Park Labs, is powered by IBM Quantum Nighthawk, the company’s most powerful quantum chip to date.
“IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM. “Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organizations across the state of Illinois and beyond.” The system will eventually move to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, furthering the state’s growing quantum ecosystem.
This deployment establishes the first IBM quantum computer within Illinois, extending the company’s collaborative network with academic and industrial partners throughout the state and beyond. Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting innovation, stating, “With the unveiling of IBM’s Quantum System Two in Hyde Park, we are giving researchers and businesses the tool to turn big ideas into real-world solutions.” This investment builds upon the foundation laid by NQAC, established in 2024 with IBM as a key member, and aims to accelerate the development of quantum algorithms and applications. The system is already supporting organizations across Illinois as they tackle computationally intensive challenges, with early collaborations focusing on areas like drug discovery and power grid optimization.
Deloitte and AbbVie are working with IBM and Northwestern University on quantum molecular simulations for pharmaceutical research, while EPRI and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are exploring quantum optimization algorithms to improve power grid efficiency, the company says.
Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP, highlighted the synergistic effect of the state’s quantum ecosystem, noting, “Today reflects the unique strength of Illinois’ quantum ecosystem. We’re thrilled to see IBM Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs while the Park is under construction, and we’re more energized than ever to welcome it to the IQMP, where it will anchor the National Quantum Algorithm Center and further establish Illinois as the global destination for quantum innovation.” The IQMP is designed to be a campus, encouraging collaboration between industry leaders, researchers and startups to drive quantum technology and microelectronics innovation.
This physical co-location is intended to accelerate the translation of research into practical applications and create a robust quantum workforce. University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos expressed enthusiasm for the system’s presence within the Hyde Park community, stating, “The deployment of IBM’s Quantum System Two represents the culmination of a years-long partnership that brought together academia, government, and private industry to usher in a new generation of discovery. I am delighted that this machine is being unveiled here in Hyde Park, where our neighbors and community will have a view into the future.” Beyond the immediate research applications, IBM is also investing in workforce development through the FutureNow Chicago center, a partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, which will create 750 jobs in fields like AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing.
Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, affirmed the significance of this deployment. The arrival of the IBM Quantum System Two is expected to solidify Chicago and Illinois as a leading hub for quantum innovation, industrialization and workforce development, attracting further investment and talent to the region. Brad Henderson, CEO of P33, added, “IBM’s continued partnership and the unveiling of IBM Quantum System Two mark an exciting moment for the industry and our state’s quantum ecosystem.”
IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP – an IBM Quantum System Two. Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organizations across the state of Illinois and beyond.
Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM
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