SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois will soon be home to the first US location for quantum company Zero Point Cryogenics. Their ultra-chilling refrigerators will be used to keep massive computers running at the state-of-the-art quantum campus in Chicago.

The Canadian manufacturer plans to support the needs of companies working at or collaborating with the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago's south side. Gov. JB Pritzker said Zero Point's ultra-low temperature cryogenic systems are critical for quantum computers, as the specialized fridges will be colder than outer space.

"As the race toward a quantum future accelerates, demand for that expertise is only growing," Pritzker said. "Every breakthrough in quantum computing depends on the kind of precision engineering that ZPC delivers."

The company will receive incentives through the state's Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity, or MICRO, program. 

Zero Point has agreed to make a substantial capital investment and create more than 20 new high-growth specialized jobs in Illinois. CEO Chris Cassin said he's excited to be at the epicenter of the rapidly evolving industry.

"We expect these critical partners to include American academic and research institutions, US-based quantum computing companies, the US government and military, and military contractors," Cassin said.

State and local leaders noted Zero Point is one of only six companies in the world with the expertise to design and manufacture this equipment.

"Illinois is making a deliberate choice," said Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). "We do not simply want to host a quantum computer. We intend to help build the entire quantum economy around it."

The University of Illinois is a foundational partner for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. 

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