Illinois awarded over 33,000 quantum-relevant degrees and certificates recently, new research reveals, demonstrating a substantial base of potential workers in this rapidly developing field. The report, released by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC), Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC), Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), is the first to quantify this talent and define what constitutes quantum-related education, a crucial step given the lack of dedicated academic codes for the discipline. A 60% increase in these degrees was observed over the last decade, signaling significant investment and growth within the state. A 33% increase was also noted since the passage of the National Quantum Initiative Act. “Through this new effort, IEDC, IQMP, and CQE have filled a crucial gap in data by codifying quantum skills,” said ISTC CEO Kate Calabra, adding that the findings provide.
Illinois’ Quantum Talent Pipeline: 33,000 Degrees & Certificates
The study identified 171 distinct educational program categories, spanning fields like computer science, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, deemed relevant to the quantum industry, utilizing the U. S. Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. Because a dedicated CIP code for quantum technology doesn’t yet exist, this report is a crucial first step in establishing a baseline for tracking talent. Certificate programs accounted for the largest share of completions statewide, highlighting the importance of accessible technical training pathways alongside traditional degree programs. This emphasis on diverse educational routes reflects an understanding that the future quantum workforce will require more than just PhD-level physicists; technicians, machinists, and data scientists will all be essential.
Illinois’ commitment extends to infrastructure as well, with the creation of the IQMP, a campus dedicated to quantum technology and microelectronics innovation, demonstrating a proactive approach to attracting and cultivating talent. Dr. Harley Johnson, CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, said, “Illinois has built one of the nation’s most collaborative quantum ecosystems by bringing together researchers, industry leaders, educators and public partners around a shared vision and goal,” reinforcing the state’s ambition to lead in quantum technology.
Defining Quantum-Relevant Programs Using CIP Codes
Establishing a clear definition of education is essential as Illinois seeks to solidify its position as a national leader in quantum workforce development; a recent report detailed the first attempt to map academic programs to the emerging needs of the quantum industry. The project’s core innovation lies in its methodology for identifying relevant programs using the U. S. Because no dedicated CIP code currently exists for quantum technology, the team established a framework to assess programs across disciplines, particularly physics, engineering, and related fields, based on curriculum and skill alignment. This is the first endeavor to identify quantum-relevant academic programs and disciplines, creating a baseline for measuring talent capable of entering the quantum workforce.
David Awschalom, Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, stated, “A sustained quantum ecosystem relies on a seamless connection between world-class research, industry, and diverse educational pathways.” The methodology developed through this framework can serve as a national model for defining and measuring quantum workforce capacity as competition intensifies across the country.
A sustained quantum ecosystem relies on a seamless connection between world-class research, industry, and diverse educational pathways.
David Awschalom, Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange
Illinois’ Ecosystem Supports Quantum Workforce & Economic Growth
The vision for a quantum future in Illinois is anchored by practical workforce development, as evidenced by the activities at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. More than 33,000 quantum-relevant degrees and certificates were awarded in Illinois in the past year, a 33% increase since the passage of the National Quantum Initiative Act and a 60% increase over the last decade, demonstrating significant investment in the field. Researchers analyzed programs across physics, engineering, and other disciplines, utilizing the U. S. Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. The economic implications are substantial, with quantum technologies projected to generate up to $80 billion in economic impact for the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region by 2035.
Illinois has built one of the nation’s most collaborative quantum ecosystems by bringing together researchers, industry leaders, educators and public partners around a shared vision and goal.
Dr. Harley Johnson, CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
