CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 — Governor JB Pritzker and Innovate Illinois Bloch Quantum Technology Hub Develop quantum technology solutions that address pressing problems such as fraud detection, grid resiliency, and drug discovery by accelerating industry adoption to advance the commercialization of research. This initiative is projected to deliver $60 billion in economic impact to the Chicago metropolitan area over the next 10 years.
The coalition, comprised of Fortune 500 companies, quantum startups, world-leading universities, state and city governments, community colleges, and economic and workforce development nonprofits, is part of a Phase 2 funding application through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. We have formulated this plan as follows. (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program.
“Illinois is already a global competitor in quantum, and we want to ensure we have the workforce and talent to take on unprecedented progress and innovation,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “We are thrilled to recognize The Bloch, an EDA technology hub that is helping develop quantum technology solutions to some of the world’s most difficult and pressing problems. With public and private investment and representation from more than 50 public and private organizations in Chicago and the Midwest region, The Block is poised to lead cross-sector collaboration and develop the quantum future. That is clear.”
Bloch led the Chicago metropolitan area to earn designation as one of 31 tech hubs in the United States during Phase 1 of the program. In Phase 2, the agency will award implementation grants to designated tech hubs to drive regional growth in technology through workforce development, business and entrepreneurial development, technology maturation, and infrastructure enhancement efforts.
The block, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, is part of Illinois' strategic vision to establish itself as a global leader in critical technology areas and is part of Innovate Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's history. is backed by a proposed $500 million investment in quantum technology.
This significant national investment is included in the FY25 budget proposal for the development of quantum technology and a state-of-the-art quantum campus, including cryogenic facilities essential for quantum technology and next-generation microelectronics. Bloch is positioned to leverage this investment and lead the country toward a sustainable and inclusive quantum economy.
If Phase 2 bids are funded, The Block expects to create 30,000 quantum jobs, train 50,000 workers and support 200 quantum companies by 2035 has been done.
“As one of Illinois' two tech hub candidates, I am pleased to see such strong support for The Block and quantum technology in Illinois,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. “I am proud to have worked closely with Governor Pritzker and Senator Durbin to advocate for the state to earn Tech Hub designation. We will continue to support these projects and encourage even more investment from the federal level. “Illinois has made it clear that we are ready to compete and have the projects and innovations to lead our state, nation and world into the future.” . ”
“The Block Quantum Technology Hub proves that Illinois is already a world leader in quantum technology,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). “Quantum investments in our state are key to unlocking opportunities for job creation, industrial advancement, and scientific discovery.”
The aim is to fund projects led by IBM, Microsoft, City University of Chicago, quantum companies such as Infleqtion and qBraid, and other key consortium members, through which The Bloch will connect quantum technology developers and the industry. Build important feedback loops between Building the largest community college-led quantum program in the United States. We provide cutting-edge hardware, software, and networks to accelerate the development and industry adoption of quantum technologies.
“Using quantum computing to advance science and industry requires finding practical quantum algorithms that work on utility-scale systems,” said Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum. says. “Bloch Tech Hub’s work, including the use of Qiskit, provides the best opportunity for this, and we look forward to seeing how this collaboration advances the industry with real-world applications.”
“Through the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, Microsoft will leverage our leadership in quantum technology to develop practical applications that will revolutionize the industry and deepen our understanding of quantum science.” said Martin Souchar, Administrative Director. “We are working with Innovate Illinois, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and academic institutions across the region to accelerate the development of quantum computing and quantum networking hardware, software, and applications and deliver solutions to communities across the country. , we are proud to partner with technology leaders to maximize our collective impact.”
“Phase 2 of The Bloch is about scaling quantum solutions to global challenges,” said Meera Raja, vice president of P33 Deep Tech and interim regional innovation lead for The Bloch. “We are leveraging unparalleled advantages, including a robust ecosystem of quantum startups and companies, a concentration of leading research institutions and national labs connected through our membership in CQE, and one of the largest quantum-ready pipelines in the country. We aim to: Integrate these advanced technologies into tomorrow's industries and make a significant impact across multiple sectors.”
The Chicago Quantum Exchange is one of the world's largest collaborative teams working on quantum science and has played a key role in building cross-disciplinary partnerships across the Chicago metropolitan area.
David Orshalom, the Liu Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago and director of CQE, said Block's plan is “an important step that the Chicago Quantum Exchange will help foster across industry, government, and academia. “It will leverage the deep partnership we have.” And it drives the commercialization of research essential to realizing the full potential of quantum technologies. This project will not only bring the United States to the forefront of quantum research, but it will also train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. ”
“Joining forces within The Bloch Tech Hub aligns perfectly with Infleqtion’s mission to transform quantum potential into quantum reality. We’re excited to be at the forefront,” said Caitlin Carnahan of Chicago-based Infleqtion’s quantum software division.
“As a member of the consortium, IQUIST is excited to contribute our quantum research expertise to The Bloch. “It's a huge step forward in the development of the human brain,” said Brian DeMarco, professor of engineering at Illinois Grainger and director of IQUIST.
“The Block Quantum Technology Hub represents a shared vision to build an inclusive quantum economy,” said City Colleges of Chicago President Juan Salgado.
This historic investment by the State of Illinois, combined with the efforts of The Block and its partners, represents a major leap forward in technological innovation, driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and positioning Illinois and the United States in the quantum field. It promises to establish us as a global leader. Technology and semiconductor innovation.
Source: Office of Governor JB Pritzker
