The Illinois innovation ecosystem received a big boost with the announcement that Inflegtion will build its quantum computing facility in the state leading to significant growth of its workforce.
Illinois is making a bold leap toward global quantum leadership as Infleqtion, a pioneering quantum technology company, announces plans to build the first utility-scale neutral atom quantum computer in the state.
With an expected $50 million public-private investment over four years, the project positions Illinois as a cornerstone of the rapidly growing quantum ecosystem, uniting academic, industry, and government partners to accelerate transformative innovation.
At the heart of the initiative is the installation of Infleqtion’s next-generation Sqale quantum platform at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).
In partnership with the National Quantum Algorithms Center (NQAC), the new facility will leverage Illinois’ deep bench of research institutions, national labs, and tech talent to unlock the full potential of utility-scale quantum computing.
A Quantum Leap for the Illinois Ecosystem
Governor JB Pritzker, who has long championed Illinois’ ambitions to become a global quantum capital, celebrated the announcement as validation of the state’s strategic investments in science and technology.
“We have worked with partners across government, business, and academia to build an ecosystem that would attract the most important players in quantum development,” said Governor Pritzker. “Infleqtion’s decision to locate their utility-scale quantum computer in Chicago shows that our vision is becoming reality.”
The investment solidifies Illinois as a national quantum innovation leader—fueled by a blend of homegrown research excellence, state-backed incentives, and a robust network of collaborators like Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the University of Chicago, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Infleqtion’s decision to make Illinois the headquarters of its quantum computing initiatives marks a major milestone. The company plans to significantly grow its workforce in the state, expanding roles in engineering, research, commercialization, and systems integration.
Public-Private Collaboration Powers Growth
The initiative is backed by the MICRO program, a state-led incentive package designed to attract semiconductor and quantum companies. Under the agreement, Infleqtion will invest $14 million and create dozens of high-skilled jobs, unlocking over $5 million in state tax credits and bringing the total value of the project to $50 million.
“Illinois is making the right investments to support long-term leadership,” said Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion. “We’re proud to expand our quantum computing capabilities here as we build toward utility-scale and application-scale performance.”
This collaboration reflects a broader vision for public-private partnerships in Illinois, ensuring that infrastructure, talent pipelines, and commercial opportunities evolve in tandem.
“Infleqtion is a tremendous partner to Chicago and the broader quantum community,” said Brad Henderson, CEO of P33, a nonprofit advancing tech innovation in the region. “
This underscores the region’s growing role as a global quantum leader and reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and economic growth.”
Neutral Atom Technology: The Future of Scalable Quantum
Infleqtion’s neutral atom platform sets it apart in the race to build scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers. Unlike superconducting or solid-state qubits, neutral atoms offer superior uniformity and reconfigurability.
Infleqtion currently holds records for both qubit count (1600 atoms) and two-qubit gate fidelity (99.73%) using this technology. The installed Sqale system in Illinois will feature:
- 100 logical qubits powered by thousands of neutral atom qubits
- Support for advanced AI applications via the Contextual Machine Learning (CML) algorithm
- Integration with Infleqtion’s Superstaq compiler, quantum error correction, and advanced optical control
- Utility-scale performance suitable for breakthroughs in materials science, drug discovery, AI, and national security,
“This project exemplifies how academic, government, and industry collaboration can accelerate progress,” said Fred Chong, Seymour Goodman Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. “Neutral atom systems offer a uniquely promising path to scalability.”
Illinois’ Quantum Future
From talent development to commercialization, the Illinois quantum ecosystem is thriving. The state’s investments in infrastructure like IQMP, its university research networks, and now this landmark project with Infleqtion position it at the forefront of U.S. quantum competitiveness.
By anchoring its neutral atom quantum computing platform in Illinois, Infleqtion is not only scaling a transformative technology—it’s cementing the Midwest as a hub of next-generation innovation.
As global interest in quantum computing intensifies, the Illinois innovation ecosystem stands ready to lead in both discovery and deployment.
