Illinois Invests in Quantum Innovation: EeroQ’s $1.1M Support to Advance Quantum Computing in Chicago

Insider Brief:

• Governor JB Pritzker announced a $1.1 million state investment to support EeroQ’s quantum computing headquarters in Chicago, marking the first quantum company to receive state funding in Illinois.

• EeroQ’s technology incorporates floating electrons above superfluid helium to create scalable qubits through compatibility with CMOS processes and long coherence times.

• The investment is part of Illinois’ broader initiative to build a quantum ecosystem, as well as to attract federal, state, and private investment to strengthen its position in the quantum technology sector.

PRESS RELEASE — In an Illinois-first, Governor JB Pritzker, alongside state officials, announced a $1.1 million state investment to support EeroQ’s quantum computing headquarters in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. EeroQ, the first quantum company to receive state funding, will utilize this investment to expand its quantum hardware development. This strategic move highlights Illinois’ focus on encouraging innovation and solidifying its role within the growing quantum technology sector.

Strategic Investment in Quantum Innovation

The press conference highlighted Illinois’ commitment to leading at both the regional and national levels in quantum technology. EeroQ will receive $1.1 million in capital expenditures as part of the State’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement, with additional support provided by the Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT). As states in the conference, comprehensive investment package will provide EeroQ the support to scale its quantum hardware development efforts, with the company committing to create five new full-time jobs and retain eight more.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the broader economic impact of quantum computing on Illinois, noting that this investment would yield significant returns in terms of high-paying jobs and economic growth. “We are proud that EeroQ made the decision to make Chicago their headquarters and to put this remarkable research and development facility in Chicago. And it means we will see many more billions in new investment and thousands of quality, high-paying jobs that will grow our economy and create new opportunity for Illinois’ working families.”

EeroQ’s technology incorporates floating electrons above superfluid helium to create qubits for quantum computing. Due to compatibility with CMOS fabrication processes, this approach offers the potential to scale quantum systems efficiently while delivering long coherence times and fast quantum gate operations.

Nick Farina, co-founder and CEO of EeroQ, shared with The Quantum Insider his insights into the company’s decision to build its headquarters in Chicago: “Once we realized we were in strike zone of getting close to a quantum computer, we did a nationwide search to find the best place to build it. We chose Chicago for a combination of talent, ease of livability, and the incredible support from Governor Pritzker, The Chicago Quantum Exchange, DCEO, P33, Intersect illinois, and many others. We hired our initial round of talent three faster than anticipated, and are now thrilled to welcome the State of Illinois as a direct investor in EeroQ as we keep growing in the state of Illinois.”

Supporting Illinois’ Quantum Ecosystem

The announcement is part of a broader state initiative to establish a quantum ecosystem. According to an announcement earlier this year, Illinois has made attracting federal, state, and private investment in quantum technology a cornerstone of its economic development plan. The state’s quantum sector, anchored by institutions such as the University of Chicago, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, has attracted significant funding. As noted in the announcement, Pritzker’s administration committed $500 million to the development of a quantum campus.

According to Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, this investment not only brings new opportunities to Illinois but also positions the state as a catalyst for innovation. “This investment means more jobs and fresh opportunities right here in Chicago, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech and innovation,” said Stratton, “I’m excited to see EeroQ not only shape the future of quantum computing, but do it from our own backyard, benefiting communities across Illinois.”

Building a Quantum Future

The state’s investments, coupled with federal support from programs like the Venture Investment for Semiconductor Technology Advancement (VISTA) initiative and the CHIPS and Science Act, align with Illinois’ vision for creating a quantum-driven economy. EeroQ’s new quantum facility in Chicago is strategically located near critical infrastructure, including interstate rail and water access, which will provide a unique opportunity for the the company to grow rapidly while maintaining proximity to the region’s top quantum talent and resources.

Senator Omar Aquino praised the project’s community impact, stating, “I’m pleased that EeroQ will continue to grow in Humboldt Park, where their quantum facility expansion will house technology development and world-class workers that could make life-changing discoveries.”

As EeroQ continues to scale its operations, the company’s long-term goal is to develop a commercial quantum computer capable of solving complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical systems. With the strong support from the Chicago community and access to local talent, EeroQ is well-positioned to innovate within the quantum computing industry, contributing to both the city’s economic growth and the broader technological future.