PsiQuantum has began construction on a facility at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) for America’s first million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum computer. Business leaders, elected officials, and community leaders joined at the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works in Chicago for what was billed as a groundbreaking investment in Illinois’ tech future.
As the anchor tenant at IQMP—also known as Quantum Shore—PsiQuantum’s project will roll out in phases, beginning with the construction of its largest intermediate-scale test system. The system will be assessed by experts from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative before the company advances toward building the full million-qubit machine. Partners on the project include Related Midwest, CRG, Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Blue Owl Capital funds.
PsiQuantum CEO and co-founder Prof. Jeremy O’Brien said the milestone marked an inflection point both for the company and for U.S. technology leadership. “Groundbreaking on America’s largest quantum computing project is the result of diligence, close cooperation, and a shared commitment to unleash the full power of quantum computing,” O’Brien said. “Despite the challenges that remain ahead, I have no doubt that with the assistance of our government, industry, and community partners, we will make quantum computing a reality right here on the South Side of Chicago.”
Dr. Pete Shadbolt, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, pointed to the city’s specific strengths in welcoming the initiative. “Chicago has an unrivaled combination of science and tech investment, top-tier universities and National Labs, and a storied history of industrial strength—this is the furnace in which the future of this technology will be forged,” added Shadbolt.
State backing
The project has also drawn strong backing from Illinois leaders who see it as both a scientific milestone and an engine for economic growth.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker characterized the development as a historic moment for the state. “This project will establish Illinois as the nation’s hub for quantum innovation while attracting billions in economic investment and generating thousands of jobs,” Pritzker said. “With cutting-edge companies like PsiQuantum, Illinois will unlock new possibilities for scientific breakthrough and economic opportunity right here on the South Side.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson focused on the impact of the development on the neighborhoods around it. “The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is about more than just technology, it is about transformation for South Chicago,” said Johnson. “This investment will create new jobs and educational opportunities while also clearing the way for greater health care and community resources.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin also said that the facility underscores Illinois’ place in the global technology landscape. “Illinois is on the leading edge of our nation’s quantum revolution,” he said. “With PsiQuantum as our anchor tenant, we’re building a center of quantum research and investment that will have implications across the world.”
PsiQuantum US expansion
PsiQuantum’s U.S. expansion follows its September announcement of a $1 billion Series E funding round. That funding will also back a utility-scale quantum facility in Brisbane, Australia. The company is betting on a photonic strategy that uses semiconductor manufacturing and telecom fiber. This approach aims to overcome key hurdles to building large-scale quantum systems
For Illinois leaders, the project is more than science. It is also about jobs and long-term economic growth in a community that has waited decades for reinvestment. With construction now underway, PsiQuantum’s Chicago facility is set to reshape the South Side’s industrial legacy. At the same time, it positions the United States to compete at the top tier of global quantum leadership.
In addition to PsiQuantum’s presence, the park will also host the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC). A joint initiative involving IBM and the University of Chicago, designed to accelerate the development of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. Together, these projects highlight IQMP’s ambition to become the largest quantum computing hub in the nation.
Factsheet: PsiQuantum at IQMP, Chicago
Project: America’s first million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum computer
Location: Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), Chicago’s South Side (former U.S. Steel South Works site)
Company: PsiQuantum (U.S. base anchored in Illinois)
Partners: Related Midwest, CRG, Clayco (construction), Lamar Johnson Collaborative (design), Croke Fairchild (advisor), Blue Owl Capital (financing)
Government Support: State of Illinois, Cook County, City of Chicago
Phase 1: Build PsiQuantum’s largest intermediate-scale test system, qualified by DARPA under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
Next Step: Deployment of a million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum computer
Investment: Enabled by PsiQuantum’s $1 billion Series E funding (Sept. 2025)
Global Footprint: Simultaneous development of an utility-scale quantum facility in Brisbane, Australia
Economic Impact: Expected to attract billions in investment and thousands of jobs to Illinois
Technology Approach: Semiconductor-based photonic quantum computing, leveraging pre-existing cooling infrastructure, and telecom fiber
