It’s Only Common Sense: Customers Need Confidence More Than Low Prices
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: Revisiting 'The Popcorn Report'
Diraq has opened its first U.S. laboratory in Chicago as part of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park’s (IQMP) On-Ramp program at mHUB.
“Chicago’s superb quantum facilities offer Diraq the ability to rapidly test and prototype our uniquely scalable technology as we advance toward deploying commercial systems,” said Diraq CEO and founder Andrew Dzurak. “Chicago has become an important center for quantum development in the U.S. and establishing a research and development base here puts us in the heart of the country as we expand our capabilities and work toward utility-scale systems.”
The facility expands Diraq’s global testing and measurement capabilities, complementing existing R&D operations in Sydney. Onsite, Diraq’s Chicago team has access to dedicated cryogenic and measurement infrastructure to test and characterize the silicon quantum technology underpinning Diraq’s roadmap to utility-scale quantum computing. This includes two quantum refrigeration units and supporting infrastructure. Development work is already underway in Chicago, including qubit measurements, cryogenic CMOS testing, and component testing and verification.
Building a Global Quantum R&D Network
Diraq’s Chicago team operates as part of a global R&D effort, using complementary time zones to extend experimental work across the day. Work conducted in Chicago will contribute directly to Diraq’s broader development program as it works toward a commercially useful quantum computing system containing many thousands of physical qubits by 2029.
Diraq plans to grow its Chicago team over the next 12 months, building on current capabilities in quantum theory and device fabrication, with the potential to expand into broader engineering functions as the operation grows.
IQMP’s On-Ramp program provides Diraq with access to dedicated cryogenic and measurement infrastructure at mHUB while the permanent IQMP campus is under development. As a key center for quantum development in the U.S., Chicago offers access to industry partners, national laboratories, and a robust innovation ecosystem.
"Diraq's first U.S. laboratory is exactly the kind of momentum we hoped for when they joined the IQMP," said Harley Johnson, CEO of IQMP. "Our On-Ramp program at mHUB means Diraq—and every participating tenant—can start collaborating within Illinois' innovation ecosystem right now, well before the Park officially opens its doors. That's the foundation we've built in Illinois: one ready to sustain momentum like this and make Illinois the global destination for quantum discovery and commercialization."
"The opening of Diraq's Chicago laboratory represents the progress we envision for Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem: Leading companies putting down roots, building their teams, and conducting cutting-edge work here,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation Chief Quantum Officer Dr. Preeti Chalsani. “Illinois EDC is proud to support Diraq’s continued expansion and to help connect the company with the workforce and resources it needs to succeed in Illinois.”
Scalable Silicon-Based Quantum Computing
Diraq builds quantum processors using silicon spin qubits and CMOS-compatible production processes, an approach designed to leverage established semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure and ultimately enable millions of qubits on a single chip. Diraq’s utility-scale quantum computers (USQCs) will be rack-scale systems that can integrate into existing computing facilities worldwide.
For Diraq, utility scale means reaching the point where a quantum computer generates computational value that exceeds its cost to build and operate. The Chicago expansion adds U.S.-based infrastructure, technical capability, and access to a major quantum center as Diraq works toward that goal.
