IBMcollaborates with University of Chicago to bolster quantum sector startups in Illinois
IBM and University of Chicago Partner to Boost Quantum Innovation
IBM and the University of Chicago have announced a significant partnership to foster the growth of a quantum ecosystem, both in Illinois and beyond. This collaboration, named Duality, aims to accelerate innovation and empower the next generation of quantum leaders.
Funding, Access, and Support
Selected startups in the Duality accelerator will receive funding from IBM Ventures, IBM’s corporate venture capital arm. They will also gain access to IBM’s quantum computers, notably the upcoming IBM Quantum System Two, which will be deployed at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Alongside hardware access, IBM provides technical expertise and cloud-based use of its quantum computers to support startup development.
Multi-Institutional Collaboration
Duality is led by the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, with founding institutional partners including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Argonne National Laboratory. P33, a Chicago tech-focused organization, is also involved.
International Collaborations
The partnership extends beyond Illinois' borders, as IBM and the University of Chicago collaborate with partners in Japan and South Korea to prepare 40,000 students for careers in quantum computing over the next decade.
Ecosystem Development
The partnership ties into broader quantum ecosystem efforts, including the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) planned at IQMP, anchored by the IBM Quantum System Two, aimed at advancing quantum algorithms. The UChicago Science Incubator provides a dedicated quantum suite, and nearby Harper Court Ventures manages a $25 million fund targeting quantum computing startups.
Program Evolution
The Duality accelerator is evolving in collaboration with the Alchemist Accelerator and UChicago’s Polsky Center, transitioning toward a two-phase deep tech program starting in October 2025. This expanded format will support up to 30 startups initially, then select 8–10 for fundraising readiness with $50,000 investments each.
Strategic Importance
IBM’s investment and partnership aim to build a quantum software and algorithm ecosystem around its leading hardware, supporting startups that develop products augmenting IBM’s quantum platform. IBM emphasizes the strategic importance of university partnerships to capitalize on emerging talent and accelerate the quantum economy.
In summary, the IBM-University of Chicago partnership for Duality provides funding, cloud and on-site access to IBM’s Quantum System Two, comprehensive technical support, and a multi-institutional accelerator framework to nurture quantum startups. It integrates funding, hardware access, mentorship, and an expanding ecosystem including algorithm development, international education, and connections to venture capital.
The University of Chicago is proud to play a leading role in building the quantum economy, advancing breakthrough science, supporting startups, and shaping technologies that will power various sectors, including the highest-resolution sensors and next-generation computing. This collaboration between the University of Chicago and IBM is aimed at building the future of computing together.
- The Duality partnership between IBM and the University of Chicago will leverage artificial-intelligence and technology, as the program will evolve in collaboration with the Alchemist Accelerator and UChicago’s Polsky Center, transitioning toward a two-phase deep tech program.
- As part of the IBM-University of Chicago partnership, education-and-self-development is promoted, as the partnership aims to prepare 40,000 students for careers in quantum computing over the next decade, with collaborations extending beyond Illinois' borders, including partners in Japan and South Korea.
