Gov. Pritzker Unveils IBM’s Quantum System Two Computer
IBM’s most advanced quantum computer at Hyde Park Labs builds on the company’s growing presence in Illinois.
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined IBM and local quantum leaders to unveil IBM’s Quantum System Two in Chicago – marking a major milestone in Illinois’ efforts to further its role as a global leader in quantum computing and advanced technology.
Through its partnership with IBM, Illinois is connecting its leading researchers and growing the quantum ecosystem with new opportunities for business and workers. IBM Quantum System Two – the company’s first quantum computer in Illinois – will now operate at Hyde Park Labs, which serves as an on-ramp location for its future permanent home at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).
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“I want the next generation of breakthroughs to happen in Illinois and the jobs and opportunity that come with them to benefit the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the unveiling of IBM’s Quantum System Two in Hyde Park, we are giving researchers and businesses the tool to turn big ideas into real-world solutions. With our growing partnership with IBM, we are building an industry that will give Illinoisans more career opportunities and build a future right here at home.”
“IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP — an IBM Quantum System Two. Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organizations across the state of Illinois and beyond,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM. “As IBM's first quantum computer in Illinois, the system’s deployment marks a milestone for Illinois’ quantum community and builds on IBM's partnerships across the state as we expand quantum research across academia and industries.”
Expanding IBM’s Presence and Creating Jobs
Earlier this year, Governor Prtizker joined IBM to announce the company’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center at the IQMP. As part of FutureNow Chicago, IBM, in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago, will create 750 new full-time jobs in AI, cybersecurity, data science, quantum, and more.
As part of this, IBM in partnership with the philanthropic community and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) will develop an apprenticeship program to prepare Illinoisans for careers in advanced technology fields and create a pipeline to high-quality jobs. Over the next five years, and as part of a broader effort, CCC will support 500 apprentices, with IBM committing to hiring one third of the qualified program graduates, with access prioritized for Illinois residents.
FutureNow Chicago will help IBM clients and industry partners solve complex, real-world business. Together with the arrival of IBM’s Quantum System Two, the center strengthens the company’s ties to Illinois and build on Governor Pritzker’s effort to attract investment and turn the State’s strength into opportunities.
IBM’s Quantum System Two will serve as an important system for the IQMP’s National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC), announced in 2024 by Governor Pritzker with IBM and academic and industry partners. The center brings researchers and companies together to develop quantum algorithms and explore the practical uses for quantum computing.
The system will support collaboration among universities, national laboratories, start-ups, and established companies, giving them access to the computing capabilities needed to test ideas that could address complex challenges across different industries,
The new computer also builds on Illinois partnerships with the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermilab. These collaborations are advancing research and preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and quantum technology professionals.
Building a Quantum Ecosystem
Governor Pritzker has made quantum technology a priority in Illinois’ economic development strategy, with IQMP serving as a hub for quantum’s growing economy. The first-of-its-kind campus on Chicago’s South Side will bring together companies and researcher to turn this emerging technology into commercial products, attracting private investment and creating an abundance of opportunity for Illinois workers.
The State supported IBM’s Quantum System Two’s deployment through a $25 million grant to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees on behalf of IQMP. The funding supported equipment purchases and technical preparations for the system’s installation at Hyde Park labs and eventual move to it permanent home at the IQMP park. The State investment reflects Governor Pritzker’s commitment to bringing world-class quantum computing infrastructure to Illinois and ensuring researchers, businesses, and innovators have access to the technology needed to advance the field.
“This is a significant milestone in advancing Illinois’ quantum economy and turning our state’s world-class research capabilities into real-world economic opportunity,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through the State’s leadership and strategic investments in quantum, we are building an ecosystem for long-term industry growth, new business investment, and high-quality jobs.”
“The presence of IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois, the company’s most advanced system available, is a testament to what’s possible when partners across government, industry and academia work together toward a shared vision,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “Today reflects the unique strength of Illinois’ quantum ecosystem. We’re thrilled to see IBM’s Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs while the Park is under construction, and we’re more energized than ever to welcome it to the IQMP, where it will support the National Quantum Algorithm Center and further establish Illinois as the global destination for quantum innovation.”
“IBM’s Quantum System Two brings another critical capability to Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem and showcases the collaboration that makes our state such a draw,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “For companies developing quantum technologies and applications, access to advanced computing systems, leading researchers, and industry partners in one place is a powerful advantage. This investment strengthens Illinois’ position as a destination for companies looking to innovate, grow, and help shape the future of quantum computing.”
“IBM’s continued partnership and the unveiling of IBM’s Quantum System Two marks an exciting moment for the industry and our state’s quantum ecosystem,” said Brad Henderson, CEO of P33. “Deepening collaboration between industry, our universities, national labs, and state government is what sets us apart and further cements Illinois as a global leader in quantum technology.”
“The deployment of IBM’s Quantum System Two represents the culmination of a years-long partnership that brought together academia, government, and private industry to usher in a new generation of discovery. I am delighted that this machine is being unveiled here in Hyde Park, where our neighbors and community will have a view into the future,” said University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos. “IBM’s Quantum System Two brings another critical capability to Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem and showcases the collaboration that makes our state such a draw,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “For companies developing quantum technologies and applications, access to advanced computing systems, leading researchers, and industry partners in one place is a powerful advantage. This investment strengthens Illinois’ position as a destination for companies looking to innovate, grow, and help shape the future of quantum computing.”
“We are proud to contribute the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s expertise and decades of leadership in supercomputing alongside our higher education and corporate partners,” said Illinois Chancellor Charles L. Isbell, Jr. “As a public-serving university, Illinois’ mission is to advance education, research, and economic opportunity across the state, and we’re excited to engage in work that translates the brilliance of Illinois faculty into tangible, real-world impact that affirms the state of Illinois and Chicago as the epicenter of the next generation of technological progress.”
“I’m excited to welcome IBM to the South Side of Chicago. This new addition puts Illinois at the forefront of the growing conversation around technology, AI, and cybersecurity, while also providing significant job opportunities for Illinoisans looking to break into the tech industry,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “With technology growing increasingly intelligent, I’m proud to say we’re investing in organizations that will create more jobs and economic growth for our community, rather than taking opportunities away.”
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