Intersect Illinois had the honor of partaking in the Economic Club of Chicago’s luncheon, the Chicago Quantum Forum, featuring opening remarks by Governor JB Pritzker, followed by a panel with Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson, PsiQuantum Co-founder Dr. Pete Shadbolt, and Amazon’s Director of Quantum Technologies Simone Severini, moderated by Crain’s Chicago Business’ John Pletz.
The room was both inspired and celebratory: There is a lot of work to be done in the quantum space, and we are on the right path — blazing forward with precision, strength, and most importantly, a shared vision.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shares his vision for Illinois’ quantum ecosystem with attendees of the Chicago Quantum Forum panel and luncheon. Image courtesy of the Economic Club of Chicago.
Governor Pritzker reiterated Illinois’ leadership in quantum innovation:
- We’re ranked as a top state for tech innovation (specifically, CNBC’s 15 Top States for Business, “and I intend to get us into the top 10,” he added); in metropolitan rankings, Chicago is #1 for corporate expansions and relocations.
- The federal government has recognized Illinois as a central hub for quantum technology, further proven by the DARPA Quantum Proving Ground in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP); DARPA has previously led innovations in GPS technology, the internet, drones, and more, and their contribution to the quantum industry can similarly “supercharge advancement for Illinois — creating billions in investment and thousands of jobs.”
- We can look forward to $20B in investment over the next decade for quantum in Illinois — and its applications can also solve some of the world’s greatest challenges: impenetrable cybersecurity systems, accurate data for tracking climate change, and biopharmaceutical data which could save millions of lives.
“Illinois has a right to win when it comes to quantum,” Governor Pritzker said when referring to our incredible talent and robust ecosystem. “If we do this right, we can forge a plan that will span generations.”
From left to right: Moderator John Pletz of Crain’s Chicago Business, Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson, PsiQuantum’s Pete Shadbolt, Amazon’s Simone Severini. Image courtesy of the Economic Club of Chicago.
John Atkinson emphasized the impact today’s decisions have on tomorrow’s economy here in Illinois:
“Illinois was the genesis of the transistor; the semiconductor; the internet browser.” No stranger to world-altering innovation, Illinois graduates more computer science engineers than Caltech, MIT, and Stanford combined. Our job now is to cultivate and retain that talent.
“We’re creating an ecosystem here; we want those jobs (that have historically migrated from the Midwest to California) from this innovation to stay in Illinois. Talent is accessible and capital is accessible.”
Referencing the quantum campus, located on the former U.S. Steel South Works site, Atkinson added: “It’s interesting and ironic and lovely that steel and manufacturing changed the world at one point, and [with quantum] we’ll do that again.”
When asked what success looks like, Atkinson responded: “What we’re focusing on is the supply chain, creating even more jobs in close proximity to the Park. [Success will come from] the collaboration between the business community and the academic community — a place where people can come in and have their product tested.”
It’s not just Illinois’ prioritization of quantum science, but its commitment to the application and commercialization of the technology that will continue to set us apart.
Pete Shadbolt reminded us #WhyIllinois for PsiQuantum’s decision to find a North American home for its first utility-scale quantum computer:
“We had to start by putting a single photon of light in a silicon chip. We’ve spent the last five years trying to take that tech out of the research lab and build them in a regular manufacturing environment. We started looking for sites that could build these machines. It took a week of discussions before we decided on Chicago. And ultimately, it was the people. Surrounded by talent and, not just PhDs, but people who are ready to cut steel, lay concrete and work around challenging situations. It’s very distinctive and very special.”
Because “data lives in the physical world” — “information is physical, whether that’s ink on paper or rocks on a beach…quantum information science means that if we change the rules by which we manipulate information, we can do new things with that information. There are algorithms and ways to solve problems that could be done by no other system,” Shadbolt said.
Further emphasizing quantum’s significance for Illinois, Atkinson shared: “The impact on Chicago from an economic development standpoint is the biggest investment in the history of the city. It’s going to mean a lot.”
With quantum at the forefront of the state’s future, there are that many more reasons to #BeInIllinois.
Join us in shaping quantum’s exciting future. Follow us on LinkedIn, subscribe to our mailing list, and contact our team directly for more information about relocating or expanding in Illinois.
Watch the full panel on YouTube, courtesy of the Economic Club of Chicago:
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