IBM Launches Most Powerful Quantum Computer in Chicago

• IBM has unveiled the Quantum System Two — the company's first quantum computer in the state of Illinois.
• The system operates on the IBM Quantum Nighthawk chip and is currently housed at Hyde Park Labs.
• After construction is completed, it will be moved to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, where it will serve as the foundation for the National Center for Quantum Algorithms.

IBM, the University of Chicago, and the state of Illinois have introduced the IBM Quantum System Two quantum computer in Chicago. This is the company's first system of this type in the state and the most advanced quantum computer IBM has available to date.

Its launch is expected to strengthen the local research ecosystem, aid in the development of practical quantum algorithms, and solidify Illinois's position as one of the centers for the advancement of this technology.

The computer is initially located at Hyde Park Labs under the management of the University of Chicago. It is based on the IBM Quantum Nighthawk — the most powerful quantum chip the company has created to date. Once the system's construction is completed, it will be relocated to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) — a specialized campus in Chicago dedicated to the development of quantum technologies and microelectronics.

• IBM is proud to deploy the first quantum computer for IQMP — the IBM Quantum System Two. It can already provide scientifically useful results to organizations across Illinois and beyond,* said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM.

IBM Expands Partnerships with Universities and Businesses

Quantum System Two will serve as the backbone of the National Center for Quantum Algorithms (NQAC), established in 2024 by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker with IBM's involvement. The center brings together scientists, universities, national laboratories, startups, and companies to develop algorithms and applications that can scale with the advancement of quantum computing.

Participants in the research initiatives include:

• Deloitte and AbbVie are collaborating with IBM and Northwestern University on quantum molecular modeling methods that can be applied in drug development;
• EPRI and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are exploring the use of quantum optimization algorithms to enhance the efficiency of electric grids;
• Fermilab is working with IBM on applying quantum technologies in high-energy physics and developing distributed quantum computing.

Separately, IBM and the University of Chicago recently demonstrated quantum advantage over leading classical methods using a guaranteed correctness approach.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called the launch of the system a tool for transforming scientific developments into practical solutions and creating new jobs.

Chicago Plans to Develop Quantum Workforce and Industry

The deployment of Quantum System Two complements other IBM investments in the region's technological infrastructure. The company previously announced the establishment of the FutureNow Chicago center at IQMP in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. The project is expected to create 750 jobs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, quantum computing, and other technologies.

It is worth noting that last year IBM introduced the Nighthawk quantum processor and announced the experimental Loon model.

IQMP CEO Harley Johnson noted that the system will serve as the foundation for the National Center for Quantum Algorithms after its relocation to the campus and will strengthen the state's position in the global quantum industry.

IBM emphasizes that the physical presence of the quantum computer in Chicago will facilitate local researchers' and companies' access to advanced computing capabilities. At the same time, the project aims to support workforce training and the transformation of scientific achievements into commercial and industrial solutions.

Meanwhile, IBM's experiment with a 120-qubit entangled state previously drew attention to long-term risks for Bitcoin cryptography, although it does not yet indicate the ability to break the current network's security.

As the quantum threat gradually shifts from theoretical risks to practical research and government programs, U.S. President Donald Trump signed Executive Orders 14409 and 14411, aimed at accelerating the transition to post-quantum cryptography in the U.S. while supporting the development of quantum technologies.

Simultaneously, the U.S. government allocated billions for creating its own infrastructure, including the Anderon quantum factory with IBM's involvement. The crypto industry is also seeking ways to adapt to potential threats: in August, miner MARA processed the first quantum-resistant transaction in Bitcoin using a method developed by researcher StarkWare Avihu Levi, without changing the protocol.

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