PsiQuantum to Build Utility-Scale Quantum Computer in Chicago

Under a partnership with the state of Illinois, Cook County, and the city of Chicago, PsiQuantum will build a utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer at the former US Steel South Works property in Chicago. Under the agreement, PsiQuantum will anchor the newly established Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) which aims to catalyze the state’s growing quantum ecosystem.

The utility-scale system is expected to consist of 1 million qubits, with a modular architecture able to utilize existing cryogenic cooling technologies. PsiQuantum uses a fusion-based architecture for its quantum computing approach, leveraging infrastructure in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to fabricate and test its photonic devices.

Rendering of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), which is set to house PsiQuantum’s 300,000 sq ft Quantum Computer Operations Center. The site is expected to catalyze the state’s quantum ecosystem, notable members of which include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Argonne and Fermi national labs and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. Courtesy of Lamar Johnson Collaborative.

A rendering of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), which is set to house PsiQuantum’s 300,000 sq ft Quantum Computer Operations Center. The site is expected to catalyze the state’s quantum ecosystem, notable members of which include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Argonne and Fermi national labs, and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency. In addition, PsiQuantum plans to partner with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University to collaborate on research projects and explore opportunities to develop educational programs in quantum applications. Courtesy of Lamar Johnson Collaborative.

PsiQuantum will be the anchor tenant of the site with its Quantum Computer Operations Center spanning over 300,000 sq ft and additional acreage for future expansion. The operations are expected to create at least 150 jobs in mechanical, optical, and electrical engineering; software development; and technical lab work over the next five years. Illinois has allocated $500 million of its 2025 state budget to the development of the IQMP, including $200 million for the build-out of a cryogenic plant to serve the cooling needs for PsiQuantum and other potential users.

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PsiQuantum has also agreed with the State, Cook County, and the city of Chicago to a comprehensive package of incentives totaling more than $500 million over 30 years to enable the company to rapidly move towards the build-out and commissioning of the Quantum Computing Operations Center. Additionally, the recently announced Quantum Proving Ground Initiative in partnership with DARPA is set to provide $280 million to the IQMP and support the development and validation of utility-scale quantum computing technologies and systems.

The project is the second of its kind. The company announced plans to build a utility-scale quantum computer in Australia earlier this year. Among PsiQuantum's partnerships are several with various U.S. government agencies, including DARPA through its US2QC program, the Air Force Research Laboratories, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Published: July 2024

Glossary

quantum: The term quantum refers to the fundamental unit or discrete amount of a physical quantity involved in interactions at the atomic and subatomic scales. It originates from quantum theory, a branch of physics that emerged in the early 20th century to explain phenomena observed on very small scales, where classical physics fails to provide accurate explanations. In the context of quantum theory, several key concepts are associated with the term quantum: Quantum mechanics: This is the branch of...
fusion: 1. The combination of the effects of two or more stimuli in any given sense to form a single sensation. With respect to vision, the perception of continuous illumination formed by the rapid successive presentation of light flashes at a specified rate. 2. The transition of matter from solid to liquid form. 3. With respect to atomic or nuclear fusion, the combination of atomic nuclei, under extreme heat, to form a heavier nucleus.
qubit: A qubit, short for quantum bit, is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing and quantum information processing. Unlike classical bits, which can exist in one of two states (0 or 1), qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to a quantum property known as superposition. This unique feature enables quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much more efficiently than classical computers. Key characteristics of qubits include: Superposition: A...
semiconductor: A semiconductor is a type of material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. In other words, semiconductors have properties that are intermediate between metals (good conductors of electricity) and insulators (poor conductors of electricity). The conductivity of a semiconductor can be controlled and modified by factors such as temperature, impurities, or an applied electric field. The most common semiconductors are crystalline solids, and they are...
photonic integrated circuit: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is a compact and integrated device that incorporates multiple photonic components and functions on a single chip, similar to the way electronic integrated circuits (ICs) integrate various electronic components. The goal of a photonic integrated circuit is to manipulate and control light signals for applications in optical communication, sensing, signal processing, and other photonic technologies. Key points about photonic integrated circuits: Integration...

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