$1.8B Illinois Chips Act Supports Zero Point Cryogenics’ U.S. Entry

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC) will establish its first U.S. location at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side. The company’s expansion is supported by the State’s Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO) program, which has $500 million invested in the IQMP and $200 million invested in the Chicago Quantum Exchange, enabling ZPC to co-locate its U.S. research, development, sales, and service operations. “As Governor Pritzker executes on his vision for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, he is creating a vital, innovative ecosystem for the future,” said Chris Cassin, CEO and co-founder of Zero Point Cryogenics. This investment strengthens Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem and positions the state as a central hub for the rapidly evolving industry.

Zero Point Cryogenics Establishes U.S. Hub at IQMP

Zero Point Cryogenics’ decision to locate its first U.S. location within Illinois signals a substantial commitment to the American quantum industry; the company is not simply expanding, but establishing a foundational presence. Established in 2017, Zero Point Cryogenics specializes in dilution refrigerators and cryogenic equipment, technologies essential for maintaining the ultra-low temperatures required for quantum computer functionality. This expansion is facilitated by support from the State’s Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO) Program, which has $500 million invested in the IQMP and $200 million invested in the Chicago Quantum Exchange. The choice of the IQMP is deliberate, positioning Illinois as actively developing a quantum ecosystem specifically on the South Side of Chicago. Beyond its internal operations, ZPC will directly support other companies at the IQMP by supplying critical cryogenic hardware, strengthening the Park’s overall capabilities.

Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP, emphasized this synergy, stating, “Having a company like ZPC bring their distinctive technology to the IQMP strengthens our ability to help other tenants make progress.” This investment extends beyond infrastructure; ZPC’s expansion is projected to create more than 20 new, high-growth, specialized jobs in Illinois. The company’s origins stem from over two decades of low-temperature physics research at the University of Alberta’s Davis Lab, demonstrating a successful transition from academic project to commercial entity. Johnson added, “Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC) is choosing the IQMP for its first U.S. location, allowing us to serve the needs of a range of quantum computing companies by providing access to their unique cryogenic infrastructure.” The announcement occurred during the second annual Global Quantum Forum in Chicago, highlighting Illinois’ growing role in international quantum collaboration.

Illinois is actively cultivating a dedicated quantum manufacturing base, bolstered by support from the State’s Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO) Program, which has $500 million invested in the IQMP and $200 million invested in the Chicago Quantum Exchange. This support directly facilitated Zero Point Cryogenics’ (ZPC) decision to establish its first U.S. location at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). ZPC, a North American manufacturer specializing in ultra-low temperature cryogenic systems, will co-locate its U.S. research, development, sales, and service operations at the IQMP, addressing a critical need for specialized infrastructure within the burgeoning quantum ecosystem. The state’s investment isn’t simply about attracting companies; it’s about building a complete supply chain, as Governor JB Pritzker stated, emphasizing the strategic intent behind the funding.

This move signifies a critical step in providing essential infrastructure for the burgeoning quantum computing industry; ZPC specializes in hand-crafted dilution refrigerators and cryogenic equipment. These systems are not peripheral components, but fundamental necessities, enabling quantum computers to operate at the ultra-low temperatures required for functionality. ZPC will co-locate its U.S. research, development, sales, and service operations, directly addressing a supply chain need within the Park. This investment isn’t merely about hardware, but about fostering a collaborative environment.

The influx of Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC) into Illinois signals a deepening of the state’s commitment to becoming a central hub for quantum technology development, extending beyond research into essential infrastructure. The company will establish its first U.S. location at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and this isn’t simply expansion for ZPC; it represents their first U.S. location, demonstrating a foundational investment in the American quantum landscape. The company states that “Cryogenic systems are essential infrastructure that enable quantum computers to operate at ultra-low temperatures required to function,” highlighting the fundamental role they play in the field.