In a groundbreaking partnership, PsiQuantum is set to build the first US-based utility-scale quantum computer in Chicago, Illinois, anchoring Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at the former US Steel South Works site. This ambitious project will catalyze the state’s thriving quantum ecosystem, which includes top institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, and national labs Argonne and Fermi.
PsiQuantum CEO and co-founder Prof. Jeremy O’Brien hailed the partnership as a crucial step in scaling up quantum computing from theory to reality. The company will invest in a 300,000-square-foot Quantum Computer Operations Center, with plans for future expansion. Illinois has committed $500 million to the project, including $200 million for a cryogenic plant to support the computer’s cooling needs. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for industries like agriculture, pharma, and energy, which will benefit from the highly precise answers provided by quantum computing capabilities.
Building the Future of Quantum Computing: PsiQuantum’s Ambitious Plan
The field of quantum computing has long been touted as a revolutionary technology, but it requires significant infrastructure investments to scale from theoretical promise to practical reality. In a major breakthrough, PsiQuantum has announced a partnership with the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago to build the first US-based utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer at the former US Steel South Works property in Chicago.
A New Era for Quantum Computing
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) will be anchored by PsiQuantum’s Quantum Computer Operations Center, spanning over 300,000 square feet with additional acreage for future expansion. This ambitious project is expected to catalyze the state’s highly developed quantum ecosystem, which includes top-tier research institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern University.
Infrastructure Investments
The State of Illinois has committed $500 million to the development of the Quantum Park, including $200 million for the build-out of a Cryogenic Plant to serve the cooling needs for PsiQuantum and other potential users. Additionally, PsiQuantum has agreed to a comprehensive package of incentives totaling more than $500 million over 30 years to enable the company to rapidly move towards the build-out and commissioning of the Quantum Computing Operations Center.
Unlocking Quantum Potential
A utility-scale quantum computer is expected to require on the order of 1 million qubits, a critical threshold for achieving highly precise answers for computational problems that cannot be solved by conventional computers. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine and clean energy, creating countless jobs and driving economic growth.
PsiQuantum’s operations in Chicago will create at least 150 jobs in the next five years, including careers in quantum physics, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and technical lab work. The company will partner with top universities to collaborate on research projects and explore opportunities to develop educational programs in quantum applications.
A Global Hub for Quantum Computing
The IQMP is poised to become a leading hub for quantum computing, with PsiQuantum’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and research and development sites in San Jose, CA; Malta, NY; and Daresbury, UK. The company has longstanding partnerships with various U.S. government agencies, including DARPA through its US2QC program, the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and the U.S. Department of Energy.
A Global Pursuit
PsiQuantum is pursuing an aggressive plan to deliver useful quantum computers on the fastest path possible. The company recently announced new partnerships with top academic institutions in Queensland, Australia, and growing operations in Brisbane, following a $620 million USD financial package from the Australian Commonwealth and Queensland governments to build the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane.
As the field of quantum computing continues to evolve, PsiQuantum’s ambitious plan is poised to play a significant role in shaping its future. With infrastructure investments, partnerships with top research institutions, and a strong workforce, the company is well-positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing and unlock its vast potential.
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