Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), a multibillion-dollar project on the South Side that aims to make Chicago a global hub for quantum technology, and the University of Illinois System is now seeking partners to build two cornerstone facilities.
ComEd has begun delivering critical upgrades to power the campus, which broke ground in fall 2025 on the former U.S. Steel South Works site. The utility is installing specialized grid enhancements and a substation to support advanced energy demands for tenants including PsiQuantum, IBM and Infleqtion.
“This project is going to bring new light to this area and uplift this community,” said David Alvarez, ComEd’s manager of project execution. “It’s more than a project for us — it’s a chance to help shape the future of technology and create opportunities for the South Side.”
The University of Illinois System has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Quantum Facility (NQF) and Quantum Works (QW), two planned at IQMP. The NQF will include approximately 62,000 sq. ft. of research labs, offices and a 16,000-sq. ft. cryogenic plant to support extremely low-temperature quantum computing. Quantum Works, a 150,000-sq. ft. structure, will serve as the Discovery Partners Institute’s hub for workforce development, research collaboration and private-sector tenant space, featuring a lobby, café, auditorium and gathering areas. Bids are due Jan. 9, 2026, with a pre-proposal meeting scheduled Dec. 8 in Chicago.
“This RFP marks an exciting milestone in our plans to build a world-class ecosystem for quantum research and innovation right here in Illinois,” said Dr. Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of IQMP. “The National Quantum Facility and Quantum Works will serve as catalysts for discovery, investment and workforce development, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, community members and educators in one collaborative environment.”
The RFP seeks development teams with expertise in cryogenic distribution systems, quantum dry lab space and large-scale helium cooling to collaborate on the financing, design and construction of the facilities. University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said the buildings will advance the state’s role as a global leader in quantum science.
“The building blocks of that future will take shape at the National Quantum Facility, while workforce development and community engagement will be further amplified through Quantum Works,” Killeen said.
Rashid Bashir, DPI Principal Officer and Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering, called Quantum Works “a transformative investment in Illinois’ quantum future,” noting the facility will help train the workforce that will power the emerging quantum economy.
ComEd officials said the utility’s work, including the installation of specialized energy infrastructure for utility-scale quantum computing, was crucial to securing tenants like PsiQuantum. “This technology has extraordinary potential,” said Gil Quiniones, ComEd president and CEO. “It could lead to breakthroughs in major economic sectors, from energy and healthcare to cybersecurity and finance.”
The IQMP project is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to advance quantum technologies, including the world’s first fault-tolerant computers. Officials say the combination of groundbreaking construction, public-private partnerships, and specialized energy infrastructure will position Illinois as a leading global destination for quantum research, innovation and workforce development.
