Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems potentially much faster than traditional computers can. It is a fast-growing industry that Illinois stands poised to be a global leader in, ensuring the benefits for industries, customers and local economies are felt right here in the state.
Quantum computing has the potential to tackle many of the biggest challenges in health care, energy, transportation, financial services, agriculture and national security. This technology will be a tool that engineers and scientists will leverage to help get life-saving drugs to patients faster, develop new approaches to green energy, design new efficient and cost-effective materials and more.
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (“IQMP”) is a first-of-its-kind campus for quantum scale-up and other related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. It is located at the former U.S. Steel South Works site (“the site”) on Chicago’s far South Side.
The IQMP is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the country’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer. As a hub of research and investment, it will establish Illinois as a global destination for this cutting-edge technology and generate positive economic development for the state.
In its first phase of development, the campus will include a facility for anchor tenant PsiQuantum, a shared cryogenic cooling facility and a Quantum Research Center. Following this initial phase, it is anticipated that other tenants will join the campus, in addition to PsiQuantum expanding.
Site selection was a deliberate and strategic process. Ultimately, the site was chosen due to advantages in land availability, power availability, logistics and transit infrastructure. The site also has proximity to academic, research and laboratory partners, as well as access to a diverse workforce to fill the various types of roles needed at the park.
The IQMP represents an unprecedented opportunity to be at the forefront of a technology revolution. The park will spur economic growth in the coming years and will create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, attract new partners and suppliers, and lead to additional amenities coming to the local community, while enhancing lakefront access and creating additional greenspace.
IQMP Team and Tenants
PsiQuantum is a quantum computing company focused on building and deploying the first useful, error-corrected quantum computer to allow critical industries to move past the limits of conventional computers. The company has close ties with US government agencies including partnerships with DARPA, AFRL and US Department of Energy. Its co-founders are some of the most well-respected minds in quantum computing and their team is now over 330 people in size.
PsiQuantum is building the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in the United States. Their footprint will largely be connected to the PsiQuantum Quantum Computing Operations Center, which will hold the majority of their system and will appear similar to the layout of research buildings on a university campus.
The development partnership between Related Midwest and CRG will finance, build and retain ownership of the facility, entering into a long-term lease with PsiQuantum. PsiQuantum will own and operate the quantum computing system that they will build within the IQMP. A University of Illinois University-Related Organization will manage the broader IQMP campus.
A University-Related Organization (URO) is closely affiliated with a university, but operates as a separate legal entity. They are typically created to support a university's mission by handling activities that may be outside the scope of its regular operations. The URO, which is responsible for managing and operating the IQMP, was modeled after the URO operating the University of Illinois Research Park.
The URO is led by a Board of Managers with representatives from:
- Academic institutions including Chicago State University and City Colleges
- State government
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private sector companies
Environmental Impact
PsiQuantum, the IQMP’s anchor tenant, will use 100% carbon free electricity to power their facility and have essentially zero emissions. There will be backup electrical generators onsite in the event of a power loss to maintain essential services, but during normal operations there will be zero emissions at the site. Should any component of the site’s operations require a permit from the Illinois EPA, those permits will be subject to the same protectiveness standards as any other comparable operation located elsewhere in the state.
One unique aspect of the IQMP will be the cryogenic cooling facility. This cryoplant is like a large refrigerator that will use electricity and produce heat as a byproduct, just like any home refrigerator, but one that does not use traditional refrigerant. Instead, it will use helium, the same safe gas used for balloons, and nitrogen, which is already present in the air we breathe.
Related Midwest, which has extensive previous experience with industrial sites, will be responsible for environmental remediation as part of their construction and design process for the IQMP. Significant remediation of the site was conducted under prior ownership, and normal construction and remediation practices will overcome any additional needs.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency hosts a website here with additional information about the regulatory processes impacting the project and relevant site reports.
Steelworkers Park and Park 566 will remain accessible, and the project team looks forward to improving access to green space on the campus as part of a commitment to promoting green and open space adjacent to the IQMP.
While the final designs of the cooling system onsite are still under development, it is increasingly likely that there will not be a need to draw water from Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. No matter the system selected, the cryoplant will not use any chemical pollutants and water will never come into direct contact with machinery in the plant.
Workforce and the Community
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.
IQMP partners are talking with the City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois System, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Chicago State University and other postsecondary institutions about creating this talent pipeline of all skill levels to feed to employers on-campus.
Yes. Related Midwest is helping fund a partnership between United Way of Metro Chicago, Claretian Associates, and LISC to create a Quality of Life Plan for South Chicago. That process will engage residents and stakeholders in mapping out a vision for neighborhood development and growth. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity also expects to partner with the City Colleges of Chicago in their development of training programs for future quantum campus jobs.
Community members interested in sharing questions, comments or ideas for the IQMP, or signing up for future updates, can do so by filling out our Contact Form here. Please note that the IQMP is in the early stages of development. As the project continues, further updates on news, community meetings and opportunities to share your feedback, provide support and get engaged will become available.