Chicago Will Host Future Quantum Computing Park
The new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park will house a utility-scale computer on the city's South Side.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is currently under construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. By 2027, the project will host the first utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer in the United States.
Why it matters
The development aims to drive regional economic growth on the South Side through massive capital investment and long-term job creation. It represents a significant effort to transform a formerly industrial area into a hub for cutting-edge technology.
The park spans 128 acres of the larger 440-acre Quantum Shore development site at 8080 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The anchor tenant, PsiQuantum, will utilize an 80,700-square-foot facility during the first phase of construction.
The players
PsiQuantum
This company serves as the anchor tenant for the new quantum facility and is a leader in developing error-corrected quantum computers.
Alliance of the SouthEast
This organization represents local community interests and has proposed a benefits agreement focused on housing and employment.
University of Chicago Science Incubator
This institution manages an On-Ramp program that allows future quantum tenants to access necessary laboratory space during the construction phase.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
This state agency is responsible for overseeing the critical soil remediation required at the former steel mill industrial site.
The details
The Alliance of the SouthEast has advocated for a community benefits agreement to mandate local hiring and affordable housing for the surrounding population, where 20 percent of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. To prepare, the University of Chicago Science Incubator provides an On-Ramp program for tenants to utilize lab space while construction progresses.
Timeline
Construction of the first phase began in the fall of 2025.
The scheduled completion for the first phase is 2027.
The Tech Race
The development establishes a dedicated home for a utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer, marking a shift from theoretical research to practical industrial application. This positions Chicago to compete directly in the global arms race to achieve scalable quantum computing.
Local residents may see significant shifts in the neighborhood labor market as the project moves toward its goal of creating 20,000 jobs. Nearby housing and infrastructure may also face new demands as the development scales up through 2027.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former steel mill site demonstrates how cities are repurposing industrial land to attract the next generation of high-tech firms. Residents can monitor local employment portals for upcoming opportunities linked to the site's multi-year development timeline.
Further reading
For additional context on the local industry, visit our Quantum Computing section.
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