Biggest quantum computer coming to Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO — A former steel site on Chicago’s Far South Side will have a new purpose.

The new Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is set to be built on the former U.S. Steel South Works site on the city’s South Side, which closed over 30 years ago.

A press release said this public-private partnership will be the first phase of a 400-acre master plan co-developed by Related Midwest and CRG.

“Right here beneath our feet will be a catalyist for a potential revolution in science and techology and the betterment of life for all human kind,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a press conference held at the site Thursday afternoon.

As part of the commitment, the state budget for the fiscal year 2025 includes $500 million committed to the development of the site. The project is designed to “further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum.”

Additionally, PsiQuantum has been offered $200 million in incentives for a minimum $1 billion investment.

The Quantum Computing Campus will be located off 87th Street and S. Dusable Lake Shore Drive and will be built by California-based tech company PsiQuantum.

“With this multibillion dollar investment from PsiQuantum, quantum computing will be the premiere industry of Chicago’s future,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Officials said PsiQuantum will serve as the campus’ main tenant at the IQMP and will build and operate a full scale, fault tolerant quantum computer, the first in the United States. The computer will help cut down development timelines for making life-saving drugs and help develop new materials and green energy solutions.

During a press conference Thursday afternoon, officials estimated the facility to be about 300,000 square feet and employ up to 150 people within five years, but an even longer term plan is for it to provide answers to a number of career fields.

“The potential applications are vast and transformative, from developing new life-saving drugs and next generation electric batteries and solar soils, this quantum computer will change how the world lives, works, and heals.

Officials added the project will be a partnership between the state and city that includes the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, along with national lab research agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense.

“It’s not just about the promise of quantum for solving some of our world’s biggest challenges in healthcare, energy, transportation, financial services, (agriculture) and beyond. It’s also about equity and building up communities that have been left behind,” said Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson.

Ground has not been broken yet, but organizers said they want to get things moving immediately with drawings and other partnerships.

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