Quantum Machines Anchors Illinois' Bid for Global Quantum Leadership

CHICAGO, IL – February 04, 2026 – In a move that significantly bolsters Illinois' ambition to become a global epicenter for quantum technology, Quantum Machines announced today it will establish a flagship research and development hub at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). The decision by the leading provider of quantum control systems represents a powerful validation of the state's multi-million-dollar investment in building a next-generation technology ecosystem from the ground up.

Quantum Machines will operate a state-of-the-art lab focused on a critical challenge in the field: the co-design of quantum hardware and the classical systems that control it. This synergy is widely seen as essential for accelerating the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers. While the 128-acre IQMP campus is still under construction after breaking ground in Fall 2025, Quantum Machines will immediately begin operations at the park's "On-Ramp" facilities in Chicago, a move facilitated by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

"Illinois is building the future of quantum technology, and Quantum Machines' decision to establish a presence at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is further proof that our state is the premier destination for next-generation innovation," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Quantum Machines is a global leader in quantum control technology, providing the critical systems that enable quantum computers to operate at scale. They will join a growing roster of companies that will be housed at the IQMP and strengthen Illinois' position as a global leader in this cutting-edge industry."

The Engine of a Quantum Revolution

The significance of Quantum Machines' technology cannot be overstated. A quantum computer's power is useless without a sophisticated classical system to direct its operations, much like a world-class orchestra needs a conductor. Quantum Machines provides this crucial control layer. Its Quantum Orchestration Platform is a hybrid system that harmonizes the quantum processor with classical computing infrastructure, a feature that has led more than half of the world's companies developing quantum computers to rely on its technology.

The new Chicago lab will be at the forefront of this effort, focusing on a "hardware-control co-design" approach. This strategy involves developing the quantum processor and its control system in tandem, rather than as separate components. The goal is to create a tightly integrated system that can execute complex quantum error correction codes in real-time—a fundamental requirement for building a truly useful, fault-tolerant quantum computer that can overcome the inherent instability of quantum bits, or qubits.

At the heart of this R&D hub will be the company's most advanced controller, the OPX1000. This powerful system will be used to deploy and test advanced quantum processors built from both superconducting and spin qubits, two of the leading modalities in the race to build a scalable quantum machine. By bringing its top-tier technology and a focused R&D mission to the IQMP, the company is poised to tackle the scaling challenges that have long been a bottleneck for the industry.

More Than a Park: An Integrated Ecosystem

Illinois' strategy extends far beyond the $200 million in state funding allocated for the IQMP's initial development. The park is the physical anchor of a sprawling intellectual and commercial ecosystem that includes the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE)—an intellectual hub comprising the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Northwestern University, as well as federal powerhouses Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

"The majority of companies developing quantum computers today utilize Quantum Machines' technology for their systems, and we are incredibly excited to welcome them as an IQMP tenant," said Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. "Quantum Machines' hybrid control solutions will be an asset to the companies, researchers, and innovators who will be driving discovery on Chicago's South Side, and we are thrilled they've chosen to join the IQMP."

The establishment of the IQMP On-Ramp facility, which includes over 2,000 square feet of specialized labs with cryostats, lasers, and control electronics, allows tenants like Quantum Machines to embed themselves within this ecosystem immediately. This early integration fosters collaboration and accelerates innovation even before the main park is completed.

This collaborative spirit is also central to addressing another critical challenge: building a quantum-ready workforce. Quantum Machines is partnering with the IQMP, Illinois EDC, and the CQE on comprehensive workforce development initiatives. These programs aim to create a robust talent pipeline, from K-12 outreach to advanced graduate degrees and professional reskilling, ensuring that Illinois has the human capital required to sustain its leadership.

"Quantum Machines' decision to join the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park underscores Illinois' strong leadership in the quantum sector," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "The State is building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support innovation, create jobs, and ensure Illinois remains a global leader in quantum technologies."

Chicago on the Global Quantum Stage

The partnership signals a deep commitment from Quantum Machines to the region. The company already has an existing partnership with Diraq, a silicon-based quantum computing firm and another future IQMP tenant, demonstrating the network effect the park is designed to create.

"This collaboration forms part of an ongoing commitment from Quantum Machines to support the regional quantum ecosystem that offers access to world-leading technologies," said Itamar Sivan, CEO and Co-founder of Quantum Machines. "We are proud to work with the IQMP, which attracts the brightest minds in industry and research, and to continue to grow our collaborations with leading national projects."

Underscoring this commitment, Quantum Machines has selected Chicago as the host city for the 2026 Adaptive Quantum Circuits (AQC) conference. This premier annual event regularly draws Nobel Prize–winning researchers and the world's leading quantum companies, and its presence in Chicago will place a global spotlight on the city's burgeoning quantum scene.

For Illinois, the arrival of a pivotal company like Quantum Machines is more than just another corporate relocation; it is a critical piece of a much larger puzzle. It confirms that the state's significant financial and strategic bets on the future of computing are paying dividends, attracting the core infrastructure and talent necessary to turn ambitious vision into tangible reality.

"We are thrilled to welcome a pioneering company like Quantum Machines to Illinois and look forward to the work we can do together to support our mutual goal of advancing quantum technologies," said Illinois EDC Chief Quantum Officer Preeti Chalsani. "Quantum Machines' decision to locate here confirms that Illinois provides quantum innovators the resources, network, and talent to grow and to scale."