As excitement around the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) continues to build, IQMP leaders and partners are focused on engaging students across the state who will go on to become the quantum workforce of tomorrow.
This spring, the strength of the state’s quantum ecosystem was on full display through a statewide initiative to engage students called Quantum Across Illinois.
Led by the IQMP, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (ILEDC) and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), Quantum Across Illinois brought quantum companies and professionals into college classrooms across the state, giving students firsthand exposure to careers in this rapidly growing industry while encouraging employers to connect with emerging talent.
Emily Easton (far right), Workforce Development Co-Lead for the IQMP and Director of Education and Workforce Development for the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and Colin Campbell (right rear), Quantum Applications Engineer for Infleqtion, meet with students at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago.
Throughout April, Quantum Across Illinois made stops at 10 public colleges and universities including College of DuPage, Harper College, Olive-Harvey College, Governors State University, Wilbur Wright College, College of Lake County, University of Illinois Chicago, Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University.
Members from the teams at the IQMP, ILEDC and CQE, and tenant companies PsiQuantum, Infleqtion, IBM, Pasqal and Quantum Machines spoke to students alongside representatives from quantum firms EeroQ and Bluefors. Over the month, more than 1,000 students, faculty and industry speakers participated in discussions about the future of quantum computing, workforce opportunities and how Illinois is becoming the global destination for the industry.
Heejeong Jeong, Head of Quantum Computing US for IQMP tenant Pasqal addresses students at Olive-Harvey.
Emily Easton, Workforce Development Co-Lead at the IQMP and Director of Education and Workforce Development for CQE, said the response was overwhelmingly positive. The series put the growing excitement around quantum careers in Illinois on display.
“Quantum Across Illinois aimed to accomplish two things,” Easton said. “We wanted students, faculty and staff to understand the opportunities in the quantum ecosystem from companies leading that growth, and we wanted to make sure our companies knew about all the institutions producing quantum talent. And we did both.”
Industry participants echoed that enthusiasm.
“I loved getting the chance to speak with so many bright students excited about quantum technologies,” said Colin Campbell, Quantum Applications Engineer for Infleqtion.
From left to right, Dr. Jennifer Cumpston, Dean, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, College of DuPage; Easton; Mo Green, Head of Market Development and Community and Government Affairs for PsiQuantum; Preeti Chalsani, Business Development Lead for the IQMP; and Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi, President, College of DuPage.
As the IQMP rises on Chicago’s South Side and Illinois continues investing in quantum research, commercialization and workforce development, Quantum Across Illinois emphasized the importance of creating direct connections between students and quantum industry leaders. Not only were students introduced to opportunities in the field, but they had a chance to understand Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum innovation—and to see themselves as the future quantum innovators.
Chelsie Hadley, who is studying physics at Western Illinois University (WIU), said her biggest takeaway was the student turnout for the event. She said she had previously thought about starting a quantum club on campus, but ultimately decided against it. Now, in hindsight, she wishes she had.
“I thought that since I was the only person I knew doing quantum research at WIU that no one actually cared about it,” Hadley said. “I think events like these are important for students to attend because technology is evolving faster than it ever has before.”
