Chicago is staking its claim as a global leader in quantum innovation—and last week’s Global Quantum Forum (July 23–24, 2025) was proof of that momentum. Hosted by P33, Intersect Illinois, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the sold‑out event drew representatives from over 20 countries and featured more than 60 speakers exploring the future of quantum across policy, investment, business, and science.

I am proud to see Clayco represented not only on the stage, but also as a design-build partner bringing quantum to this region. Our very own Michael Fassnacht—Clayco’s Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland—emceed the event. He spotlighted the partnerships and purpose on display that are driving all of this innovation.

Illinois Quantum & Microelectronic Park 

At the heart of this transformation is the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronic Park (IQMP)—a 128‑acre, multibillion‑dollar redevelopment of the former U.S. Steel South Works site. The state of Illinois has committed $500 million to the project (including $200 million to build a cryogenic plant). Developers estimate the park could generate up to $20 billion in economic impact over the next decade and create thousands of jobs, particularly across Chicago’s South Side.

Leading the effort at IQMP is PsiQuantum, which will establish a 300,000‑square‑foot Quantum Computer Operations Center—anchoring the park with plans to build the first U.S.-based utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. 

Clayco Support of Chicago’s Quantum Computing 

Clayco is an instrumental partner in bringing this prestigious project to reality across its various units, from related partnering with CRG as lead developers, to Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) as lead designer, and Clayco as the General Contractor for the facility.

PsiQuantum’s commitment includes creating at least 150 jobs in mechanical, optical, electrical engineering, software, and lab work over the next five years, and investing over $1 billion, bolstered by more than $500 million in incentives tied to job creation and infrastructure build-out.

A few weeks ago, Infleqtion became the latest tenant, announcing plans to build the state’s first utility‑scale quantum computer and bring 50 new jobs, backed by $50 million in investment and tax credits.

The Future is Bright 

This isn’t just hardware. PsiQuantum is partnering with the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, University of Chicago, UIC, and Northwestern University to develop quantum research programs and workforce pipelines, leveraging Chicago’s national-lab–infused innovation corridor.

Ecosystem leaders like Related Midwest, Intersect Illinois, P33, and regional institutions are actively shaping an environment where quantum startups and corporate partners can collaborate—and where bold ideas meet public-private coordination.

When you see events like the Global Quantum Forum and see Clayco's leadership, it’s clear: Chicago is building the future of quantum in America.