Nearly 100 leaders from across business, government, and academia convened in May for the inaugural Quantum Prairie Economic Symposium hosted by Argonne National Laboratory, signaling growing interest in the economic potential of quantum science. The laboratory underscored its long-standing role in the field, revealing that an Argonne scientist first proposed a theoretical framework for a quantum computer, predating much of the current attention. In 2023, Argonne expanded its commitment by launching both the Argonne Quantum Foundry and the Argonne Quantum Institute. “Our commitment is to help support the building of a quantum economy that advances science and delivers positive regional impact, supports economic growth and creates pathways for meaningful participation throughout Illinois and beyond,” said Robyn Wheeler Grange, director of Argonne’s Office of Community Engagement, as the lab aims to translate scientific discovery into economic opportunity.
The symposium, held at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago, served as a platform to examine how advances in quantum science can drive innovation and workforce development. Kearns emphasized the breadth of Argonne’s work, stating that the laboratory’s commitment extends beyond scientific advancement to actively shaping a regional quantum economy. This collaborative approach is exemplified by partnerships with institutions like the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, aiming to ensure broad participation in the emerging quantum landscape, even for those without specialized physics backgrounds. As Harley Johnson, CEO of IQMP, noted, “People also need to be reassured they don’t have to be a quantum physicist to benefit from or participate in this ecosystem.”
Our commitment is to help support the building of a quantum economy that advances science and delivers positive regional impact, supports economic growth and creates pathways for meaningful participation throughout Illinois and beyond.
Robyn Wheeler Grange, director of Argonne’s Office of Community Engagement
Argonne National Laboratory is rapidly solidifying its position as a central hub for quantum information science, extending beyond fundamental research into proactive economic development. This dual investment signals a deliberate strategy to not only advance the science but also to foster a regional quantum ecosystem. Paul Kearns, Argonne Laboratory Director, emphasized this legacy, noting the lab is “advancing powerful computing and precision sensing technologies while developing the building blocks of this field.” The laboratory’s efforts extend to workforce development, recognizing the need for a skilled talent pool to support the burgeoning industry. A Boston Consulting Group analysis commissioned by the Chicago Quantum Exchange projects a substantial economic impact of up to $80 billion and as many as 191,000 quantum technology jobs in the Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana region by 2035, with over 70% of those positions accessible to workers without advanced degrees. “I hope participants walked away with a sharper sense of what quantum technologies can mean for the Quantum Prairie over the next decade,” said Kate Timmerman, CEO of the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
Argonne National Laboratory and its Office of Community Engagement recognize that the advancement of quantum science and technology must be rooted in broad collaboration.
Robyn Wheeler Grange, director of Argonne’s Office of Community Engagement
This projection isn’t limited to highly specialized roles; over 70% of these positions are anticipated to be accessible to individuals without advanced degrees, broadening the potential for workforce participation. This legacy continues with Argonne actively driving innovation in quantum information technologies and exploring applications in areas like finance, communication, and logistics. Harley Johnson, chief executive officer of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), emphasized the accessibility of opportunities within the burgeoning quantum ecosystem. The rapid pace of job creation is also noteworthy; the Boston Consulting Group predicts a greater than 200% increase in quantum jobs from 2027 to 2030, followed by a more than 550% surge between 2030 and 2035, making proactive workforce preparation a critical priority.
According to Boston Consulting Group, the expansion is expected to happen fast, with the number of quantum jobs predicted to grow more than 200% from 2027 to 2030, and then more than 550% between 2030 and 2035, making workforce preparation not just timely, but urgent.
Boston Consulting Group
The burgeoning quantum industry isn’t confined to research labs; practical development requires dedicated infrastructure, and Illinois is actively building one. This isn’t simply a collection of buildings, but a deliberate attempt to foster a complete ecosystem encompassing companies, researchers, manufacturers, and end-users, all focused on commercializing potentially world-altering technologies. IQMP’s vision extends beyond attracting highly specialized physicists; a key focus is accessibility. Panel discussions highlighted collaborations between the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and City Colleges of Chicago to create accessible career pipelines. Johnson noted that many of those ultimately filling these roles are currently in middle school, highlighting the long-term investment required to sustain this emerging field.
I hope participants walked away with a sharper sense of what quantum technologies can mean for the Quantum Prairie over the next decade in terms of jobs, regional economic growth and innovation across a wide range of businesses and institutions.
