Five Things We’re Excited to See at the IQMP in 2026

Last year, Illinois continued to cement its place as a global destination for quantum and further proved that it has an unmatched ecosystem where technological innovation can thrive. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park broke ground, making way for the literal foundation that will support a long future of collaboration, investment and discovery. We welcomed new tenants who established the Park as their first U.S. headquarters. We built meaningful relationships with our South Chicago neighbors and helped introduce hundreds of local students to STEM programming to generate excitement about being part of the quantum workforce of tomorrow. As 2026 kicks into full gear, we anticipate the momentum will only build as researchers, scientists, industry end users and startup companies continue to establish IQMP as their home, taking advantage of the growing infrastructure supported by our business and academic partners.

Axios Chicago named the IQMP one of the most anticipated developments of the year. As the global community watches the IQMP transform into a tangible place for discovery, all eyes in the quantum world will be on Illinois in 2026. 

Here are five key developments you can watch for this year:

1. Awards for Researchers Advancing Algorithms to Solve Real Issues

Quantum computing has the potential to solve real-world problems that can’t be solved by classical computing. As the power of quantum scales up at the Park, there could be new opportunities for scientists to develop life-saving medicines faster, design new materials for cleaner energy, optimize transportation and power systems and advance breakthroughs in climate, agriculture and national security. But without the algorithms and applications to run on them, quantum computers are just hardware. Developing that critical software is where the IQMP’s National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) comes in. 

The NQAC connects industry end-users with quantum companies, academia, national labs and other partners to advance quantum algorithms and applications. To incentivize researchers to develop relevant algorithms and applications, the NQAC and P33 launched the Grand Challenges program, beginning with two $125,000 awards to be announced in February.

The Grand Challenges program is designed to give postdoctoral researchers an opportunity to generate algorithms by accessing cutting-edge quantum resources, and to fund proof-of-concept work that advances quantum technologies toward real-world use.

While the IQMP campus is under construction, the NQAC will facilitate collaboration, bring teams together and jumpstart the exploration of promising algorithms and applications.

2. A New Chapter for an Abandoned Southeast Side Site

The transformation of a former industrial site into a home for next-generation technology and job creation represents progress and possibility. Once an economic engine for middle-class jobs that sustained families in Chicago for decades, the home of the former U.S. Steel South Works sat dormant for more than 30 years. The IQMP marks a new chapter, transforming vacancy into discovery and economic opportunity with the power to attract new investment to the Southeast side.

Since breaking ground on anchor tenant PsiQuantum’s state-of-the-art facility, planning has begun to build the National Quantum Facility—an advanced research laboratory with cryogenic infrastructure designed to support the diverse needs of quantum computing companies—and Quantum Works, which will serve as the Discovery Partners Institute’s new workforce development building. Together, these facilities will physically establish the IQMP as a destination for research, innovation and talent development.

3. Educating the Future Quantum Workforce 

The IQMP and its partners are investing in education to ensure that young people are prepared—and excited—to join the future quantum workforce. Among other programming in 2026, IQMP and partner-led initiatives will welcome cohorts of students from the greater IQMP community for immersive, hands-on introductions to quantum technology and pathways to adjacent STEM careers.

In February, Fermilab’s Saturday Morning Quantum* (SMQ*) will launch its second cohort at Olive Harvey College’s South Chicago Training Center. The 10-week program offers Chicago high school students an introduction to quantum physics and fosters engagement with quantum engineering and related careers. Led by Fermilab scientists and subject matter experts, SMQ* includes hands-on exhibits and tours of Fermilab’s Batavia campus. Last year, more than 40 Chicago Public Schools students completed the program. 

In January, six Southeast Chicago public schools joined Science Olympiad, thanks to a partnership with the IQMP, P33, Claretian Associates and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). Science Olympiad is a competitive program that allows groups of students to collaborate, form friendships and gain leadership skills all while learning about careers in various STEM-related fields. Each school will develop two teams and gain access to technological resources and teacher training and support from the CQE. 

We’re excited to see more young people participate in these programs in the years to come! As more students become exposed to quantum careers, the IQMP is committed to helping them feel equipped and ready to join the workforce of tomorrow. 

4. Fostering Collaboration and Scale-Up through Partnerships

The IQMP is a collaborative effort bringing together leading universities, national research labs and innovative quantum companies from around the world. 

At the end of 2025, we announced a new partnership with Silicon Catalyst that allows startups participating in their accelerator program to access lab space, technical infrastructure, and advanced scale-up and cryogenic facilities at the IQMP’s National Quantum Facility. Access to this collaborative environment will rapidly transform the region into a destination for quantum innovation, drawing in pioneering companies eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible and empowering economic growth. Bold innovators have a home here, and we look forward to welcoming them along with new tenants and strategic partners to the Park. 

5. Chicago: The Global Destination for Quantum Dialogue

The IQMP will continue to drive economic opportunity across the region as Chicago hosts an historic number of quantum conferences this year. 

The Global Quantum Forum (GQF) returns this summer following its successful debut in 2025. Powered by P33 , the Illinois Economic Development Corporation and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, last year’s forum drew hundreds of global leaders to Chicago to explore the future of quantum across policy, investment, business and science. View highlights from the 2025 event, and check for 2026 event details on the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and TechChicago Week websites.

Entering its ninth year, the annual Chicago Quantum Summit will again convene industry, government and academic leaders from around the world who are shaping the future of quantum technology and workforce development. The two-day event, held both in person and online, will also spotlight Midwest Quantum Week, which celebrates the tri-state region’s leadership in quantum research and collaboration. Check the Chicago Quantum Exchange for event dates in the coming weeks.

Other conferences to watch for include: 

■ Supercomputing Quantum Conference 

■ Quantum Machines Chicago Conference 

■ Q2B Conference 

As Illinois becomes increasingly recognized as the epicenter of quantum development and discovery, you can stay connected through the Quantum State Stories blog. Twice a month, we’ll be providing  highlights from conferences and forums, updates on new partnerships and construction progress at the IQMP, and deep dives into everything quantum. Welcome to 2026, innovators!