IQMP in the Community

FACT: The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is not a data center and will not house one onsite. It is a first-of-its-kind campus built for quantum technology and innovation that will allow scientists to solve problems that today’s most powerful computers cannot.

The IQMP will help create new breakthroughs in medicine, the environment, clean energy, finance, agriculture and other industries by bringing together companies, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers and other partners to develop technologies with the potential to solve the world’s most complex problems.

The 128-acre campus, located on the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works site, is 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.

FACT: The IQMP won’t use materials that pollute the air, water or soil, and anchor tenant PsiQuantum will produce essentially zero emissions. 

The IQMP's developer – Related Midwest – created a comprehensive remediation plan that goes beyond what state regulations require, including a hybrid slurry wall that permanently isolates the contamination in place and active 24/7 dust control practices to enable real-time responses that protect nearby residents and the environment.

FACT: 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 — 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.

FACT: 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.

FACT: The IQMP will not strain local electricity, water and infrastructure. In fact, 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. Two additional buildings are in the works — Quantum Works and National Quantum Facility buildings — 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.

FACT: DARPA is not testing weapons or running defense programs at the IQMP. Through the Illinois-DARPA Quantum Proving Ground, DARPA is 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.

FACT: The IQMP will require a wide range of jobs for people of all educational backgrounds. It will need all kinds of professionals 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 to keep the Park running. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers will research and develop technologies, develop and prototype equipment and create industrial and commercial applications for quantum computing.

To date, IQMP 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.

FACT: The IQMP is proactively engaging local schools and workforce development partners to ensure area residents have access to jobs at the Park. Along with its partners, the IQMP is 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 that is 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, Quantum Shore Groundbreakers, a paid summer program for high school juniors and seniors, for participants to 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. 

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 its quantum-focused education currently offered, purchasing virtual reality equipment, robotics, rockets, drones and other technology. Since then, PsiQuantum has announced a $250,000 philanthropic investment in local schools, higher education institutions and STEM programs to prepare students as they become the quantum innovators of tomorrow’s workforce.

This includes IBM’s FutureNow Chicago Center at the IQMP committing to hire 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.