IBM and the University of Chicago Collaborating to Strengthen Quantum Startups in Illinois
University of Chicago and IBM Collaborate to Boost Quantum Innovation in the Midwest
The University of Chicago and IBM have joined forces to support Duality, the nation's first quantum startup accelerator, with the aim of driving quantum innovation in the Midwest. This collaboration will provide selected startups with funding from IBM Ventures, access to IBM's advanced quantum computers, including the IBM Quantum System Two (planned for deployment at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park), and technical expertise to develop quantum software and applications.
Duality, led by the University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, has founding partners that include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Argonne National Laboratory. Since its launch in 2021, Duality has supported over 25 startups, helping them raise more than $50 million in follow-on funding, reinforcing the Midwest's leadership in quantum innovation.
In addition to direct startup support, IBM and the University of Chicago are collaborating on broader quantum ecosystem initiatives. They are collaborating with partners in Japan and South Korea to prepare 40,000 students for quantum careers over the next decade. IBM's Vice President of Quantum, Jay Gambetta, stated that the collaboration with the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago is a commitment to growing and fostering a dynamic quantum ecosystem.
The University of Chicago is also investing in the UChicago Science Incubator, featuring a quantum suite, and the National Quantum Algorithm Center at IQMP. IBM is providing startups with access to its cutting-edge quantum technology available on the cloud. Emily Fontaine, global head of IBM Ventures, is involved in this collaboration.
Nadya Mason, Interim Vice President for Science, Innovation, and Partnerships at UChicago and dean of the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, expressed pride in the University's leading role in building the quantum economy. This partnership exemplifies a comprehensive regional strategy to accelerate the development of quantum technologies, strengthen Illinois’ quantum ecosystem, foster workforce development, and secure the nation’s technological future in quantum computing.
IBM aims to accelerate innovation and empower the next generation of quantum leaders through this collaboration. Selected startups will receive funding from IBM, access to its quantum computers, and technical expertise to develop quantum software and applications. This partnership will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of quantum computing and the careers of the next generation of quantum innovators.
[1] University of Chicago News. (2021). University of Chicago and IBM to Collaborate on Quantum Computing. Retrieved from https://news.uchicago.edu/story/university-chicago-ibm-collaborate-quantum-computing
[2] IBM. (2021). IBM Quantum System Two Now Available on IBM Cloud. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/press-release/59144
[3] Chicago Quantum Exchange. (2021). Duality Quantum Startup Accelerator Launches. Retrieved from https://chicagoquantumexchange.org/news/duality-quantum-startup-accelerator-launches
[4] University of Chicago News. (2021). University of Chicago and IBM to Collaborate on Quantum Computing Education. Retrieved from https://news.uchicago.edu/story/university-chicago-ibm-collaborate-quantum-computing-education
- The University of Chicago and IBM's collaboration extends beyond quantum startups, as they collaborate with partners in Japan and South Korea to prepare 40,000 students for quantum careers over the next decade, focusing on education and self-development in artificial-intelligence and technology.
- In the realm of business and finance, IBM Vice President of Quantum, Jay Gambetta, and Emily Fontaine, global head of IBM Ventures, are committed to growing and fostering a dynamic quantum ecosystem, continually supporting the development and innovation of companies in the Midwest and beyond.
