Quantum Machines to build flagship quantum hub in Chicago

Quantum Machines plans to establish a flagship quantum hub in Chicago at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, expanding its US research footprint and linking its control systems to a multi-tenant development focused on quantum and advanced microelectronics.

The hub will operate as a laboratory facility at the park. Quantum Machines will initially base its activity at the park's On-Ramp facilities in Chicago while the wider site remains under development. The On-Ramp programme is supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker described the announcement as another step in the state's ambition to build a domestic quantum industry cluster.

"Illinois is building the future of quantum technology, and Quantum Machines' decision to establish a presence at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is further proof that our state is the premier destination for next-generation innovation," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Quantum Machines is a global leader in quantum control technology, providing the critical systems that enable quantum computers to operate at scale. They will join a growing roster of companies that will be housed at the IQMP and strengthen Illinois' position as a global leader in this cutting-edge industry."

Quantum Machines sells control systems used to operate quantum processors. Its platform supports multiple qubit types and is positioned as a way to coordinate quantum hardware with classical computing resources. The company says more than half of the companies developing quantum computers use its technology.

Facility design

The planned Chicago hub has been co-designed with the park as a "quantum-control-enabled" facility. The research programme will focus on hardware-control co-design, aligning quantum processors, classical infrastructure and control software.

A key element is the plan to host superconducting qubits and spin qubits in the same environment. Quantum Machines says the systems will be controlled by its OPX1000 controller.

The hub is also expected to include what the organisations describe as one of the largest spin-qubit quantum processors used in a production research environment. The announcement did not specify qubit counts or performance targets.

Alongside hardware work, the facility will be used for application development and testing using classical computing resources across multiple time scales. Planned experiments include machine learning techniques for optimal control and quantum error correction.

Itamar Sivan, chief executive officer and co-founder of Quantum Machines, said the decision is part of a broader regional strategy for the company.

"This collaboration forms part of an ongoing commitment from Quantum Machines to support the regional quantum ecosystem that offers access to world-leading technologies," said Itamar Sivan. "We are proud to work with the IQMP, which attracts the brightest minds in industry and research, and to continue to grow our collaborations with leading national projects, where our advanced hybrid control solutions will enable the next-generation quantum infrastructure, leveraging classical computing resources at scale."

Ecosystem ties

Quantum Machines already works with Diraq, which is expected to become a tenant at the park. Diraq develops silicon-based quantum computing technology, a segment that relies heavily on precision control and measurement electronics.

Harley Johnson, executive director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, said the company's presence will support other tenants and researchers on site.

"The majority of companies developing quantum computers today utilize Quantum Machines' technology for their systems, and we are incredibly excited to welcome them as an IQMP tenant," said Harley Johnson. "Quantum Machines' hybrid control solutions will be an asset to the companies, researchers, and innovators who will be driving discovery on Chicago's South Side, and we are thrilled they've chosen to join the IQMP."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity linked the move to state priorities around jobs and industrial capacity.

"Quantum Machines' decision to join the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park underscores Illinois' strong leadership in the quantum sector," said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "The State is building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support innovation, create jobs, and ensure Illinois remains a global leader in quantum technologies."

Workforce and events

Quantum Machines is joining partners across the local ecosystem on workforce development, including the park, Illinois Economic Development Corporation and Chicago Quantum Exchange. The organisations say the initiatives will focus on building a pipeline of quantum talent in the state.

Quantum Machines has also selected Chicago as the host city for the 2026 Adaptive Quantum Circuits conference. The company describes the event as an annual conference that draws Nobel Prize-winning researchers and quantum companies.

Preeti Chalsani, chief quantum officer at Illinois Economic Development Corporation, said the decision validates the state's network of resources and partners.

"We are thrilled to welcome a pioneering company like Quantum Machines to Illinois and look forward to the work we can do together to support our mutual goal of advancing quantum technologies," said Preeti Chalsani. "Quantum Machines' decision to locate here confirms that Illinois provides quantum innovators the resources, network, and talent to grow and to scale."

The On-Ramp facilities provide space and equipment for future tenants ahead of completion of the main park development. The space includes more than 2,000 square feet of facilities and specialised equipment such as cryostats, control electronics, lasers and optical tables, along with technical and programme support.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is planned as a 128-acre development that will house organisations working across quantum hardware, software and applications, as well as advanced microelectronics research and development.