Illinois launches federal quantum research partnership

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The federal government has agreed to invest up to $140 million dollars for quantum research in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters in Chicago Tuesday that top quantum researchers and companies will compete to work here.

Illinois is another step closer to becoming the Silicon Valley of quantum technology as Pritzker signed an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to test and evaluate computing prototypes.

"Quantum computing has the potential to unlock scientific and technological advances previously thought impossible," Pritzker said. "Unhackable cybersecurity, biopharmaceutical cures for diseases that previously took decades could occur in just months."

State lawmakers earmarked $500 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to build a massive quantum campus in the Chicagoland area. Now, Illinois is committing $140 million in matching funds for a DARPA quantum proving ground program.

Pritzker Quantum — Gov. JB Pritzker announced a federal quantum research partnership during a press conference with other top Democratic leaders on July 16, 2024.

"If this is going to work, we're going to have to build a unique and world-class test and evaluation team," said Dr. Joe Altepeter, a DARPA program manager leading the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. "But not only that, we are going to need the kind of quantum test facilities that have never been built before."

Leaders said the future property will have cryo facilities, equipment labs and options for private companies and research universities to work together. Pritzker believes this investment can generate up to $60 billion for the Illinois economy and create thousands of new jobs.

"When 80 years ago we had the theoretical possibility of a nuclear chain reaction, it was the University of Chicago that we went to prove whether or not this idea actually worked," said Congressman and accomplished physicist Bill Foster. "I think it's very significant that when we're trying to figure out how significant quantum computers might be, that it's to Illinois and Chicago that we're returning."

The Pritzker administration previously made a $200 million investment in the Chicago Quantum Exchange. Pritzker said he is optimistic that these investments can help create science and engineering jobs for the next century.

"Illinois has been one of the only states to invest in and actualize a plan for the quantum future," Pritzker said. "Fortune 500 companies and the best research institutions in the country are exploring plans for being a part of our efforts."