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IBM shows off its first Chicago-based quantum computer
IBM, together with the University of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), unveiled its first quantum computer in Chicago, Illinois.
According to IBM, the IBM Quantum System Two, which is hosted by the University of Chicago, features the “most powerful quantum chip” that it has ever built, Quantum Nighthawk.
“IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP — an IBM Quantum System Two. Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organisations across the state of Illinois and beyond,” IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said.
“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.”
The path to the National Quantum Algorithm Center
While the quantum computer currently resides at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago, it will eventually be moved to IQMP, a first-of-its-kind campus in Chicago currently being built for quantum technology and microelectronics innovation and scale-up.
When moved, it will anchor IQMP’s National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) that will bring together scientists, universities, national labs, startups and enterprises to work alongside IBM to develop new algorithms and applications. NQAC was founded in 2024 by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker with IBM as a leading member.
“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,” IQMP CEO Harley Johnson said.
“Today reflects the unique strength of Illinois’ quantum ecosystem. We’re thrilled to see IBM Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs while the Park is under construction, and we’re more energised than ever to welcome it to the IQMP, where it will anchor the National Quantum Algorithm Center and further establish Illinois as the global destination for quantum innovation.”
Expanding the Quantum Workforce and FutureNow Centre
IBM said introducing the quantum computer to Chicago will further cement the state’s current and future quantum workforce.
Earlier this year, the company announced it would establish the FutureNow Chicago Centre at the IQMP in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, to bring 750 jobs to the region across AI, cybersecurity, data science, quantum computing and other technologies.
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