A rendering of the quantum computing campus in Chicago. (Image Credit: Lamar Johnson Collaborative)
Quantum computing startup PsiQuantum announced plans to construct a quantum computing campus at the former U.S. Steel South Works plant on Chicago’s South Side. It will also feature a 300,000-square-foot building with the largest quantum computer of one million qubits. Called the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, the campus is expected to include the multimillion-dollar Illinois-DARPA Quantum Proving Ground. The campus can boost the South Chicago neighborhood’s economy while developing thousands of jobs.
This is expected to be America’s first-ever utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. Operating the building requires a cryogenic cooling plant that ensures temperatures remain near absolute zero. Research and office buildings are also planned to be built around a central park with green spaces throughout the area.
Overall, the project costs $9 billion to construct, and the state is allocating $500 million in its 2025 budget. Out of those funds, $200 million will be provided for the cooling plant and $140 million for the proving grounds, matching DARPA’s investment. Also, the city and state are committing $500 million in incentives over 30 years--- dependent on PiQuantum investing at least $1 billion.
The center could also bring in over $20 billion in additional investments. This may impact the local population as they worry about being unqualified for jobs requiring special PhDs. Plus, the lakefront facility could affect the environment.
Recently, the Chicago Plan Commission voted to approve the proposal during a presentation despite criticism from the local community and organizations. Now that the voting has ended, the proposal needs approval from the city’s zoning committee. If that goes well, a full City Council must vote on it for approval.
The development team explained they’re taking steps to ensure the environment remains unharmed. In this case, they proposed deploying bird-friendly glass, controlled artificial lighting, and further measures to keep bird migration patterns safe.
A third-party study suggests that the quantum campus project could generate 175,000 quantum-specific and quantum-related jobs. It may also lead to the creation of 20,000 construction jobs to complete the project. PsiQuantum says it plans to create 150 permanent jobs, including careers for those with quantum physics doctoral degrees. Other jobs involve software development, technical lab work, and optical, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
Discussions with project developers have just started, even though the plan received approval at the meeting. Another meeting with project developers is expected to take place on December 10th at Bowen High School.
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