Quantum Computing Startup Joins Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
Introduction to Diraq
A quantum computing startup from Australia, Diraq, has signed a letter of intent to join the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. This move is part of the company’s strategy to expand its operations in the United States. Diraq will be part of the On-Ramp program, which allows companies to work out of a shared facility while the campus is being built.
About Diraq’s Mission and Operations
Diraq’s mission is to design, build, and deploy the world’s most cost-effective quantum computers. The company has recently set up operations in Silicon Valley in California and Boston and is now looking to establish a presence in Chicago. Diraq CEO and founder Andrew Dzurak stated that the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park represents an exciting opportunity that can support the company’s U.S. growth strategy.
Diraq’s Projects and Partnerships
Diraq was recently awarded a contract for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s program for testing quantum computing prototypes. The company is also working on the Quandarum project with Fermilab, which aims to create an ultra-precise quantum sensor to explore and research dark matter. These projects demonstrate Diraq’s commitment to advancing quantum computing technology and its potential to make a significant impact in the field.
Job Creation and Investment
Diraq expects to begin operating out of the On-Ramp facility in late 2025 or early 2026 and will add two to four employees in its first year. The company’s Chicago headcount is still being determined, but it will be a focus point for Diraq’s research and development. While the company declined to disclose an estimate of its potential investment at the park, it expressed confidence in its future growth strategy, which includes investment in jobs, alliances, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a 128-acre campus that will transform the former U.S. Steel South Works facility. The park is expected to have a $20 billion economic impact over the next decade and create thousands of jobs in quantum computing and related fields. However, the development has been met with concern from some community members and neighborhood groups, who are calling for a community benefits agreement to ensure local residents get jobs with living wages and aren’t displaced by the new development.
Conclusion
The addition of Diraq to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a significant step forward for the development of quantum computing technology in the United States. With its commitment to creating cost-effective quantum computers, Diraq has the potential to make a major impact in the field. As the park continues to grow and develop, it is essential to address the concerns of the local community and ensure that the benefits of this development are shared by all. With its innovative approach and commitment to advancing quantum computing, Diraq is an exciting addition to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and its presence is expected to contribute to the park’s success in the years to come.
