IBM has officially unveiled its most advanced quantum computer. The company brought it to Chicago, Illinois, marking the state’s first quantum computer as well. 

The machine is called IBM Quantum System Two. It is currently set up at Hyde Park Labs and hosted by the University of Chicago. Inside, it runs on the IBM Quantum Nighthawk chip, which is the most powerful quantum processor IBM has built to date.

Eventually, the system will move to a permanent home at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), a new campus being built in Chicago to scale up quantum tech and hardware.

Solving Problems with the Most Advanced Quantum Computer

The IBM Quantum System Two, the company’s most advanced quantum computer; Photo: IBM

Local researchers and companies are already putting the hardware to work. IBM is collaborating with teams across the state through the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC), which Governor JB Pritzker established in 2024.

The projects focus on practical challenges. For example, Deloitte and AbbVie are teaming up with IBM and Northwestern University to simulate molecules for drug discovery. At the same time, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are exploring how quantum algorithms can help make power grids run more efficiently. National laboratories like Fermilab are also working with IBM to study high-energy physics and distributed quantum networks.

“IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP — an IBM Quantum System Two. Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organizations across the state of Illinois and beyond,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM. “As IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois, the system’s deployment marks a milestone for Illinois’ quantum community and builds on IBM’s partnerships across the state as we expand quantum research across academia and industries.”

Establishing a Strong Workforce in Illinois

“I want the next generation of breakthroughs to happen in Illinois and the jobs and opportunity that come with them to benefit the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the unveiling of IBM’s Quantum System Two in Hyde Park, we are giving researchers and businesses the tool to turn big ideas into real-world solutions. With our growing partnership with IBM, we are building an industry that will give Illinoisans more career opportunities and build a future right here at home.”

To support that goal, IBM previously announced plans to launch the FutureNow Chicago center at IQMP alongside City Colleges of Chicago, aiming to bring 750 regional jobs across quantum tech, AI, cybersecurity, and data science.

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