Bluefors has expanded its US presence with the opening of a 580-square-foot lab space at the UChicago Science Incubator, complementing its existing facility at mHUB and bolstering the region’s growing quantum industry. The new lab will house an LD400He Measurement System, offering hands-on experimentation opportunities for early-stage startups, faculty, and students developing quantum technologies that require temperatures near absolute zero. This expansion is closely linked to The Bloch Quantum, a Tech Hub seeking funding to scale US quantum manufacturing; Bluefors’ labs are a key component of this effort. David Awschalom, the University of Chicago’s Liew Family Professor of Quantum Engineering and Physics and the founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, explained the importance of this development.
Bluefors Labs Expand Quantum Experimentation Access in Chicago
Bluefors’ labs are positioned as a key component in achieving this goal, providing crucial infrastructure for a developing industry. The company highlighted its work at a Quantum Across Illinois event in April, an initiative designed to connect Illinois-based quantum firms with educational institutions. Sauli Sinisalo, Vice President at Bluefors, emphasized the collaborative spirit driving this growth, stating that Bluefors is excited to partner with Chicago Quantum Exchange to further support the well-established and growing quantum ecosystem in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The Chicago Quantum Exchange, a consortium of nearly 70 partners, aims to build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem, from fundamental research to commercial deployment, and Bluefors’ expanded lab facilities are intended to empower that process by providing flexible access to advanced cryogenic measurement systems needed to accelerate the quantum economy.
CQE Partnership Drives Midwest Quantum Supply Chain Growth
The Midwest is rapidly establishing itself as a focal point for quantum technology development, supported by increasing investment and collaborative efforts. This expansion occurs in close partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), a consortium, national labs, and industry partners dedicated to advancing quantum technologies from research to practical application. This emphasis on practical access to cryogenic infrastructure, systems essential for maintaining the ultra-low temperatures required by many quantum technologies, is also expected to stimulate job creation within the growing quantum sector.
Bluefors is excited to partner with Chicago Quantum Exchange to further support the well-established and growing quantum ecosystem in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Cryogenic Systems Enable Advances in Quantum Technologies
Cryogenic systems are essential because many quantum devices require temperatures extremely close to absolute zero to function, a necessity driving demand for specialized cooling solutions and skilled technicians. This demand extends beyond research institutions; Bluefors highlighted its role in expanding innovation capacity and anticipates growth in local job opportunities as the quantum sector matures. The company’s participation in the Quantum Across Illinois initiative, an event bringing quantum companies to educational institutions, further demonstrates its commitment to fostering a robust quantum ecosystem.
Bluefors is playing an important role in expanding the Quantum Prairie’s innovation capacity by providing early-stage startups, faculty, and students with opportunities to engage in hands-on experimentation.
