It’s been two years since the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) was first launched. In that time, we’ve celebrated major milestones, made big announcements and welcomed a world-class roster of tenants to Illinois. Understandably for a project of this magnitude, we’ve also sparked a lot of curiosity from neighbors and the broader community about where this project is headed. We sat down with IQMP CEO Harley Johnson to talk through some of the most common questions people have about the Park — what it is, how it will operate and what our presence means for the surrounding community.
Let’s start with the basics. Some people are quick to assume the IQMP is the same thing as a data center. Is that accurate?
Not at all. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is not a data center and will not house one onsite. The IQMP is a first-of-its-kind campus built for quantum technology and innovation, including quantum computers that will be able to process information much faster and more efficiently than existing computers. Quantum computers developed at the Park will help create new breakthroughs in medicine, the environment, clean energy, finance, agriculture and other industries and will bring together companies, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers and other partners in this mission. The 128-acre campus, located on the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works site, is also being designed with our environment in mind – creating additional green space, making the lakefront more accessible and ensuring no harm comes to our air, water or soil.
Given the scale of the project, what can you tell us about its environmental footprint? Is there any risk of pollution to the neighborhood?
No, the IQMP won’t use materials that pollute the air, water or soil, and anchor tenant PsiQuantum will produce essentially zero emissions. In fact, quantum computing holds the potential to improve climate resilience, both because it is a clean technology, and because it will help us solve problems that will mitigate existing environmental challenges.
What about energy? Does the Park run on fossil fuels?
Anchor tenant PsiQuantum plans to use 100% carbon-free electricity to power their facility during normal operations – no coal, no gas – just clean energy. The other two buildings onsite – the Quantum Works and National Quantum Facility buildings – are currently in the conceptual design phase, and renewable energy strategies for those are being evaluated. Across the board, we are committed to incorporating as many renewable energy sources as possible to reduce our carbon footprint.
Water is another big topic, especially given the Park’s proximity to Lake Michigan and the Calumet River. Will the IQMP draw from or discharge into either?
The IQMP will not draw water from or discharge into Lake Michigan or the Calumet River. Water will come from Chicago’s municipal system – the same source that serves homes and businesses citywide. Water used in quantum computing circulates in what’s called a closed loop system and is never discharged.
Are there concerns about the Park straining local electricity, water supply or infrastructure more broadly?
The IQMP’s water use will be minimal and more comparable to that of a hospital, while power needs will be significantly lower than a data center. A dedicated electrical substation, fueled by 100% renewable energy, will be built onsite to serve the power needs of PsiQuantum, and will not be drawing from or sharing electricity with the surrounding community. Again, two additional buildings are still in the early stages – the Quantum Works and National Quantum Facility buildings – and we’re looking at what renewable energy strategies are available for those. We’re committed to ensuring the IQMP is a positive addition to the community around us.
In terms of what is being developed at the Park, does DARPA’s involvement mean the IQMP will be used for military purposes or weapons development?
DARPA is not testing weapons or running defense programs at the IQMP. Through the Illinois-DARPA Quantum Proving Ground, they’re helping test, evaluate and create prototype quantum computers – making sure this technology works at the level needed to deliver real-world economic and commercial benefits for industries and communities. DARPA’s goal in a project like this is to prevent technological surprises that could compromise our security, so we are partnering with them to develop and harness this important technology here, first. DARPA’s past work has brought us the internet, GPS, life-saving vaccines, and more.
Let’s talk about jobs. Is the Park only going to employ people with PhDs?
No, in fact the IQMP will require a wide range of jobs, including system operators, cryogenic plant technicians, site managers, logistics workers, supply chain shipping and receiving, human resources, security personnel, project and program managers and others. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers will research and develop technologies, develop and prototype equipment, and create industrial and commercial applications for quantum computing. To date, our tenants have committed to creating over 1,000 jobs at the Park, and we know that number will continue to grow. Analysis conducted by the Boston Consulting Group in 2024 found that quantum technology is expected to create significant economic impact here in our region. In the Illinois-Wisconsin- Indiana region, analysts predict as many as 191,000 quantum tech jobs by 2035. Many of those jobs will be in applications of quantum computing, and will be distributed across companies all around our region.
So it’s not a data center, and it’s not a military facility. Who is behind it?
The IQMP is about education, training and commercialization of research. It is being led by universities across Illinois and backed by the University of Illinois, which is investing more capital and more operating expenses in the project than the funding provided by federal sources. The senior leaders of the Park are educators – many of whom are from the University of Illinois System – who came together with a vision to create opportunities as a result of the amazing research that has been done on our campuses and national labs. The Park is intended to share these opportunities and create jobs for students and business owners.
Finally, what is the Park doing to make sure people in the surrounding community actually have access to those jobs?
The IQMP and its partners are committed to investing in the community the Park calls home and ensuring young people have access to career pathways in emerging industries. Since the Park was first announced, the IQMP and its partners have worked to create excitement and awareness about the industry for local K-12 students through hands-on science education programming and connecting directly with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to develop materials and lesson plans on quantum for schools surrounding the Park.
In the Spring of 2026, the second cohort of students – including many from the community surrounding the IQMP – graduated from Saturday Morning Quantum, a free 10-week class from Fermilab designed to empower the future quantum workforce by introducing high school students to the scientific principles and career opportunities in the field.
IQMP developer Related Midwest recently launched a program inspired by Saturday Morning Quantum called Quantum Shore Groundbreakers. This is a paid summer program for high school juniors and seniors where participants can explore careers in development, architecture and construction.
Additionally, the IQMP is partnering with six elementary and high schools in the greater IQMP community through Science Olympiad to provide students with access to specialized STEM programming to inspire interest in quantum. Partners are also working with postsecondary institutions, who are represented on the IQMP’s Board of Managers, to build the talent pipeline and remove barriers for non-degree holders to enter the quantum workforce.
Early on, anchor tenant PsiQuantum donated $10,000 to expand Bowen High School’s ability to enable more hands-on learning in its engineering, math and science classes to further develop the quantum-focused education currently offered, purchasing virtual reality equipment, robotics, rockets, drones and other technology. Since then, PsiQuantum has upped their total commitment to local schools and other organizations to $250,000!
Efforts also include IBM’s FutureNow Chicago Center at the IQMP, which has committed to hiring graduates from a new City Colleges of Chicago apprenticeship program, and Chicago State University launching a minor in Quantum Information Science & Engineering and a partnership with the U of I’s Grainger College of Engineering to offer physics students a Masters in Engineering – all opportunities to create pathways to quantum jobs of the future.
Any closing thoughts?
As the IQMP moves from vision to reality, questions like these are a natural part of the process, and the leadership team and I are committed to keeping the conversation open.
Have a question that wasn’t covered here? Reach out to the IQMP team to learn more about the Park and what it means for the community.
Publish Date
August 10, 2026
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