Quantum computing facility planned for former U.S. Steel South Works site

The Illinois Governor’s office has revealed plans to transform the former U.S. Steel South Works plant in South Chicago into a quantum computing facility.

According to a release, the State of Illinois and Cook County have partnered with California-based company PsiQuantum to establish the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) at the long-abandoned lakefront site.

The state has reportedly committed $500 million to the development of the quantum park, with $200 million to be allocated towards a cryogenic cooling facility.

PsiQuantum plans to be the anchor tenant of the plant and occupy 300,000 square feet of space.

PsiQuantum reportedly plans to further support the project through research partnerships with The University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago Urbana-Champaign.

PsiQuantum projects the development will generate 150 jobs in Chicago within the next five years.

The project represents a win for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Johnson Administration ahead of the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The development will contribute to advanced technological breakthroughs while revitalizing the struggling South Shore community.

“This monumental project will revolutionize the fields of medicine and clean energy, creating countless jobs and driving economic growth.

Together, we are ushering in a new era of innovation, equity, and sustainability for the South Side, solidifying Chicago’s place as a global hub for technological advancement,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

According to IBM, Quantum computing is a revolutionary emerging technology that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle complex problems that surpass the capabilities of traditional computers.

The technology has the potential to aid in overcoming some of our world’s greatest challenges, from cancer research to climate and energy solutions.

“Considering the endless potential quantum computing technology holds, it is crucial that we commit to quantum partnerships, research, and infrastructure across our nation.

In Illinois, we’re leading the charge with this first-of-its-kind quantum park to unite stakeholders, experts, and future generations of quantum leaders,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker in a statement.

“I’m grateful that PsiQuantum will be our anchor tenant as we launch this exciting collaboration to create the jobs of the future, and PsiQuantum choosing Chicago cements our status as a global hub for quantum computing.”