PNW unveils designs for quantum commercialization center

Purdue University Northwest’s plan to establish a major quantum commercialization center are part of Hammond’s revitalization effort.

PNW is joining the Chicago region’s Bloch Tech Hub. The hub is a coalition of industry, academic, government and nonprofit stakeholders. Led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, the organization focuses on driving the nation’s quantum economy.

The university is working with other Bloch members on a quantum commercialization center as part of the Roberts Impact Lab. The lab is a regional technology transfer and commercialization hub. It is part of Hammond’s new $40 million downtown innovation district.

“The Roberts Impact Lab at PNW has long been envisioned to spur economic development in Northwest Indiana through an advanced manufacturing technology lab, makerspace and scientific research and development space,” said Kenneth Holford, PNW chancellor, in a press release .

The lab has secured $7.7 million in funding through a $3 million donation and $4.7 million from Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative. The funding will be used to renovate a medical office building. PNW, Quantum Corridor Inc. and the city of Hammond plan to cultivate the lab as a hub for quantum information science and technology.

“PNW is also proud to partner with the city of Hammond to locate the impact lab in the historic downtown corridor, which is undergoing momentous revitalization,” Holford said.

Holford said the Roberts Impact Lab project on the Quantum Corridor network will have a transformative benefit on the Region.

“This investment in Hammond is the perfect example of how our public and private sectors are collaborating to advance high-tech, high-growth industries like quantum technologies and to build the economy and jobs of the future right here in Indiana,” said Mark Wasky, senior vice president and special counsel to the secretary of commerce at the Indiana Economic Development Center.

Quantum Corridor Inc. was formed to drive tech infrastructure in Indiana and create an information-sharing platform for institutions such as Chicago Quantum Exchange, defense contractors, research hubs and universities. Quantum Corridor will stretch 263 miles and serve as a quantum computing superhighway.

(Photo provided by Purdue University Northwest)

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