Quantum Machines, a leader in hybrid quantum control systems, is setting up shop at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP), a 128-acre development designed to accelerate quantum technology breakthroughs. The company will operate a state-of-the-art lab at the Park’s On-Ramp facilities in Chicago, bridging quantum processors with classical infrastructure before the main campus is fully operational.
The move underscores Illinois’ growing role as a quantum innovation hub. Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the state’s ambition to dominate next-generation tech, with Quantum Machines joining a roster of firms committed to advancing scalable quantum computing. The company’s OPX1000 controller—capable of integrating superconducting and spin qubits—will be deployed at the Park, reinforcing its position as a critical enabler for quantum hardware development.
More than half of today’s quantum computer developers rely on Quantum Machines’ control solutions, which optimize performance by harmonizing quantum and classical operations. The partnership extends beyond research: the company is collaborating with IQMP, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the Chicago Quantum Exchange on workforce development, including hosting the 2026 Adaptive Quantum Circuits conference in Chicago. This event, a gathering of Nobel laureates and industry leaders, will further solidify the region’s standing in quantum research.
Harley Johnson, CEO of IQMP, called the partnership a ‘game-changer’ for the Park’s mission, noting that Quantum Machines’ expertise will benefit researchers and startups operating in the facility. The On-Ramp space—funded in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce—provides immediate access to specialized equipment, including cryostats, lasers, and optical tables, ensuring tenants can begin work without delay.
With groundbreaking completed in late 2025, the IQMP is positioned to become a global nexus for quantum hardware and software. Quantum Machines’ decision to anchor its operations there reflects broader industry trends: the demand for hybrid control systems that can scale quantum computing from lab prototypes to commercial applications. As the Park’s first major occupant, the company’s presence signals a shift toward collaborative, large-scale quantum infrastructure—one that could redefine how quantum and classical systems interact.
Illinois EDC’s Chief Quantum Officer, Preeti Chalsani, emphasized the state’s commitment to providing the ‘resources, network, and talent’ needed to sustain this growth. For Quantum Machines, the partnership aligns with its global strategy to support regional quantum ecosystems, particularly in areas with access to leading research institutions and industry collaborations.
