Quantum computing company Infleqtion, has announced that it will deploy a fault-tolerant, neutral-atom quantum computer at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Delivery is planned to take place in 2027. The company is also opening a Chicago Quantum Innovation Center focused on applying quantum computing to real-world challenges, including improving the US energy grid.
According to a company press release, the Sqale system is designed for fault-tolerant quantum computing and will initially target more than 50 logical qubits, with a roadmap toward 100 logical qubits and scalability beyond 1,000 physical qubits. Researchers will access the platform through Infleqtion’s Superstaq software via the National Quantum Algorithm Center.
“Bringing a state-of-the-art neutral-atom quantum computer to Illinois means our researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators will have access to some of the most advanced quantum computing technology in the world,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, expressing his optimism for quantum computing deployment in Illinois. “Partnerships and investments like this are what have made Illinois a global hub for quantum. From a growing Chicago team to a landmark quantum system now coming to Illinois, I’m proud to have Infleqtion as a partner in building our state’s quantum future.”
The system will provide researchers and industry partners with access to a large-scale quantum platform and how the energy sector offers practical applications for quantum computing.
Matthew Kinsella, CEO, Infleqtion said, “We’re bringing one of the most advanced neutral-atom systems in the world directly to the city’s researchers and industry partners. Chicago is rapidly becoming one of the most important quantum ecosystems in the world, where quantum computing moves from theoretical promise to practical reality.”
Pranav Gokhale, CTO and co-founder, Infleqtion, said, “Energy is one of the best proving grounds for quantum computing because the problems are consequential and immediate. AI data centers are pulling more power than the grid was built to handle, we’re applying quantum computing to some of the hardest problems in nuclear and energy research today.”
The Chicago Quantum Innovation Center will initially focus on using quantum optimization to address energy grid challenges, including unit commitment, contingency analysis and nuclear fuel loading. Infleqtion is also involved in energy-focused research through its ARPA-E-funded ENCODE project and the National Quantum Algorithm Center’s Grand Challenges programme with the University of Chicago, Constellation Energy and EPRI.