IBM and the State of Illinois are working together to create a new National Quantum Algorithm Center in Chicago. This center will be part of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and will involve IBM, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. IBM will bring its latest quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, to Chicago next year.
This computer will help solve complex problems that are very hard for regular computers to handle. It will be used with Qiskit, a unique software from IBM that allows run more complicated calculations to get accurate results for scientific research.
The new center will support a growing community in Illinois that is focused on quantum technology. This partnership explores how quantum computing can solve tough challenges in different industries.
Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, said “We are proud of the progress we have made to bring useful quantum technology to the world, and this new partnership with the State of Illinois and its thriving innovation ecosystem brings us one step closer to defining the future of computing. With IBM’s best performing quantum hardware and software in the heart of Illinois’ innovation network, together we can truly unlock the potential of quantum computing to solve the world’s hardest problems.”
“Governor JB Pritzker said, “I’m grateful to the leadership at IBM and our university and other industry partners for their ongoing efforts to accelerate quantum computing across our state.”
Within the National Quantum Algorithm Center, quantum information experts, experimentalists, and domain experts across industries will share a unified objective to uncover yet unknown algorithms that leverage quantum-centric computing, including those that combine quantum and classical supercomputing resources across workflows. These teams will explore rigorous experimentation to determine how to execute workloads for complex industry challenges and within future hybrid supercomputing architectures.
To help drive new algorithm discovery, IBM will leverage its leadership as a pioneer in bringing useful quantum computing to the world with its existing relationships with Illinois academic and industry leaders, including long-standing collaborations with the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and members of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated Bloch Quantum Technology Hub.
“IBM’s decision to engage more deeply with our vibrant Illinois quantum ecosystem marks a new phase in the development of quantum information technologies,” said Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago.
“We’re thrilled to partner with IBM to bring the National Quantum Algorithm Center to life and look forward to hosting its state-of-the-art Quantum Computer as part of the IQMP,” said Harley Johnson, Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and Founder Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering, U. of I. “The IQMP is building upon Illinois’ strong existing ecosystem of top-tier talent, research centers, universities and more to further establish our state as a global hub for quantum, and all of the economic growth and technological advancement that comes with it.
Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Our collaborative ecosystem is perfectly positioned to lead the National Quantum Algorithm Center through world-renowned faculty and students, and an entrepreneurial spirit that answers the most pressing questions of our time.”
