West Cook News

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved a $20 million grant to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees for the purchase and installation of a cryogenic facility at PsiQuantum, which will serve as the anchor tenant for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).

Cook County is a major partner in IQMP, which aims to become a center for quantum technologies and microelectronics. The park will bring together industry leaders such as PsiQuantum, IBM, and Infleqtion with academic researchers, startups, suppliers, and workforce training programs.

"PsiQuantum and IQMP will drive innovation, job creation and economic growth and will position Cook County at the forefront of the global quantum economy," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “In addition to transforming the long-dormant U.S. Steel South Works site into a hub of innovation, this effort will create opportunities in historically disinvested communities, like the south suburbs.”

In November 2024, the Board established a property tax incentive called Class 8 MICRO to promote long-term investment at IQMP and in related sectors. At that time, funding for this $20 million grant was also allocated as part of Cook County’s FY2025 budget.

Estimates suggest that IQMP could generate tens of billions of dollars in economic impact for the region. Thousands of jobs are expected during construction alone. PsiQuantum’s initial phase is projected to create at least 150 jobs, with more positions anticipated as development continues. These roles will include high-tech jobs as well as support positions across the ecosystem. The project is also expected to attract further investment to Cook County.

The campus will include both the National Quantum Facility and National Quantum Algorithm Center. A key component is Cryoplant A—the first cryogenic facility—which was ordered from Linde Kryo Technic (LKT) in November 2024 with an estimated delivery time of 18 months. Additional facilities are planned as part of ongoing development.

The State of Illinois has contributed through its Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity by awarding a $99 million grant to the University of Illinois for designing, engineering, purchasing, and installing equipment necessary for establishing cryoplant infrastructure at IQMP.

Cryoplants use helium-based cooling systems capable of reaching temperatures just above absolute zero—a requirement for many quantum computing applications.