Pasqal Expands to Chicago, Betting Big on U.S. Quantum Growth

French quantum computing firm Pasqal has announced its first U.S. headquarters will be established in Chicago, at the state’s new quantum research park. This significant investment of $65 million is set to create at least 50 new jobs and will house one of the world’s most powerful quantum computers upon completion.

Key Takeaways

• Pasqal, a French quantum computing company, will establish its U.S. headquarters in Chicago.
• The company plans a $65 million investment, creating over 50 jobs.
• The new facility will house a powerful quantum computer, expected to be the world’s most advanced.
• This move aligns with Illinois’ goal to become a leading hub for quantum development in the U.S.

A Strategic Move to the Midwest

Pasqal’s decision to locate its U.S. operations at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s Southeast Side marks a significant step in the state’s ambition to lead in quantum technology. The park, situated on the historic former U.S. Steel South Works site, is slated to open in 2027. This development is backed by substantial state funding and tax incentives, underscoring Governor JB Pritzker’s commitment to positioning Illinois as the “undisputed global quantum capital.”

Quantum Computing’s Potential and Pasqal’s Role

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations far beyond the reach of traditional computers. Pasqal, co-founded by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Alain Aspect, aims to harness this power for industries such as logistics, finance, telecommunications, and energy. The company’s executive chairman, Wasiq Bokhari, cited Illinois’ “epicenter of scientific discovery and innovation” and the state’s Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) tax credit as key factors in choosing the location. The Illinois Finance Authority also provided $15 million in cash loans to support the venture.

Expanding Computing Power and Future Growth

Governor Pritzker highlighted Pasqal’s plans to scale its quantum systems dramatically, from 200 qubits to 10,000 qubits, representing a “dramatic expansion of computing power.” Pasqal joins a growing roster of prominent tenants at the research park, including IBM, Diraq, Infleqtion, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermilab. With subsidiaries in eight countries and a workforce of over 300, Pasqal brings considerable expertise and a strong reputation, having collaborated with major companies like BMW, Siemens, and LG.

A Hub for Innovation

Harley Johnson, executive director and CEO of the Chicago research park, expressed confidence in a fruitful partnership with Pasqal. He emphasized Illinois, and particularly Chicago’s South Side, as an ideal environment for fostering groundbreaking advancements, drawing parallels to the region’s legacy of “hard work, ingenuity, and global impact.”