A former steel plant on Chicago’s southeast side is set to be transformed into a multi-billion dollar, 440-acre quantum computing campus.

PsiQuantum, a leading innovator in quantum technology, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago to develop the first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in the United States.

“Quantum computers have long promised transformative capabilities, but bringing them to fruition requires significant infrastructure development,” said Prof. Jeremy O’Brien, PsiQuantum CEO and co-founder. “Governor Pritzker and Illinois are making a landmark investment in this technology, and we are thrilled to partner with them to realize the first utility-scale quantum computer in the U.S.”

The project will repurpose the US Steel South Works property into the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), serving as the anchor for the quantum computing ecosystem in Illinois.

Clayco will act as the general contractor for the initial phase of development.

The project, which received $500 million from the Illinois state budget for fiscal year 2025, including $200 million dedicated to constructing a Cryogenic Plant essential for cooling the quantum computers.

PsiQuantum’s Quantum Computer Operations Center will span more than 300,000 square feet, with space for future expansion to accommodate the growing demands of this cutting-edge technology.

“Investing in quantum computing infrastructure is crucial for national technological leadership,” Pritzker said in a statement. “With this unprecedented quantum park, Illinois is set to become a global quantum computing hub, fostering innovation and job creation.

“PsiQuantum’s choice of Chicago underscores our city’s growing prominence in the tech industry.”

The development will also include collaborations with leading academic institutions, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University.

“We are excited to collaborate with PsiQuantum and the Governor’s office to establish the IQMP as a global leader in quantum computing,” said UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones. “Our partnership will support the development of the Cryogenic Plant and enhance Illinois’ quantum workforce, marking a new era for technology.”

Find out more at CCN