Illinois Nuclear Fueled Arms Race

Illinois stands at a pivotal crossroads in the rapidly evolving landscapes of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). The state has made commendable strides in establishing itself as a hub for these transformative technologies. However, to solidify its leadership and reap the economic and societal benefits, Governor JB Pritzker must escalate efforts—leveraging Illinois’ unique assets and making bold investments to outpace competitors in this high-stakes tech arms race.

Illinois: A Fertile Ground for Quantum and AI Innovation

Illinois boasts a robust foundation for quantum computing and AI, underpinned by world-class research institutions, strategic public-private partnerships, and substantial governmental support.

Quantum Computing Initiatives:

• National Quantum Information Science Research Centers: Illinois is home to two of the five centers established by the U.S. Department of Energy, led by Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in collaboration with the University of Chicago. Each center has received $115 million in federal funding to drive breakthroughs in quantum information science.
• Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP): Located at the former U.S. Steel South Works site on Chicago’s Southeast Side, the IQMP is envisioned as a premier campus for quantum scale-up and advanced microelectronics research. PsiQuantum, a Silicon Valley-based firm, has been announced as the anchor tenant, aiming to develop the world’s first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer at this site.

• Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET): This metropolitan-scale experimental quantum network utilizes deployed optical fiber to connect multiple sites across the Chicago area, facilitating advancements in quantum communication and networking.

Artificial Intelligence Initiatives:

• Educational Programs: Illinois Institute of Technology offers the only undergraduate AI program in the Midwest, providing a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Center for Artificial Intelligence Innovation focuses on advancing AI research and providing students with career development opportunities in AI.

• Research Centers: The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago has contributed to making Chicago a hub for quantum education and research, offering advanced degrees in quantum science and engineering.

The Imperative to Double Down

While these initiatives position Illinois favorably, the global race in quantum computing and artificial intelligence is intensifying. Competitor states and countries are investing aggressively to attract talent, research, and industry. Illinois must act with urgency, precision, and scale to maintain and extend its leadership.

The stakes are high. In 2023, global investment in quantum technologies surpassed $35 billion, with China investing $3 billion, and Canada pledging $360 million over ten years to expand its national quantum strategy. In the U.S., states like New York, Massachusetts, and Texas have aggressively increased incentives for tech firms and R&D hubs, hoping to attract high-growth sectors.

Illinois has made early moves—such as securing two Department of Energy Quantum Centers and backing the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)—but to retain its edge and realize the economic potential of this revolution, the state must double down.

1. Increase Funding and Incentives

The quantum economy is still in its early stages, but its commercial promise is immense. Estimates suggest quantum computing could contribute up to $1.3 trillion in value globally by 2035. The states that invest now will shape the future of logistics, finance, medicine, and national security.

Illinois should:

• Expand the EDGE tax credit program to include more incentives for deep tech and quantum startups.

• Create a statewide Quantum Innovation Fund to support scale-up efforts for companies already working with Argonne, Fermilab, or Chicago Quantum Exchange members.

• Provide startup incentives to quantum-related companies that choose to locate in Illinois or establish labs within emerging hubs like the South Works site.

In comparison, Massachusetts invested $100 million in 2022 to expand its innovation infrastructure, helping it maintain dominance in biotech, robotics, and AI. Illinois needs to make similarly bold moves if it wants to compete long-term.

2. Foster Public-Private Partnerships

Illinois benefits from a rare density of elite research institutions and private-sector collaborators. The Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) connects the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, Argonne, Fermilab, and major partners like IBM, Microsoft, Intel, and Boeing .

However, building world-changing technologies requires more than collaboration agreements. It requires sustainable partnerships backed by shared capital, talent, and mission.

Illinois should:

• Formalize a Tech Transfer Accelerator program that helps research breakthroughs turn into commercial ventures.

• Offer state-matching grants to startups working in partnership with national labs or universities.

• Host an annual Quantum + AI Industry Summit to convene stakeholders, attract federal funding, and promote Illinois as the nation’s premier quantum hub.

In Silicon Valley and Boston, similar university-to-startup pipelines have yielded companies worth billions. Illinois has the core ingredients—it now needs to reduce barriers and scale up commercialization efforts.

3. Develop a Skilled Workforce

No sector can grow without talent. Quantum and AI aren’t just future-proof industries—they are labor-intensive, demanding highly trained scientists, engineers, ethicists, and technical support staff. The global shortage of quantum specialists is acute, and AI roles are growing at three times the rate of the broader job market.

Illinois is ahead of the curve. The Illinois Institute of Technology offers the Midwest’s only undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Chicago are ranked among the top institutions in quantum research.

But this base must grow dramatically. The state should:

• Invest in quantum and AI career training programs at community colleges.

• Expand STEM education starting at the K–12 level through programs like Quantum Quickstart and Code.org.

• Offer student loan forgiveness for graduates who take jobs in Illinois-based AI or quantum firms.

The labor market of the next decade will be shaped by which states are best at preparing their residents for highly technical roles. Illinois has the institutions—it must now align public education policy with its quantum ambitions.

4. Enhance Infrastructure and Power Supply

Quantum computing is notoriously power-intensive. The most important step for AI and the Illinois economy in general is the revival of nuclear energy in the Great Lakes states, including Illinois, which is not only about sustainability but also about energy security for high-tech sectors.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) will require robust, resilient power systems. Grid modernization and clean baseload energy—such as that provided by nuclear power—will be crucial. Power reliability and energy price stability are among the top three considerations for data centers and advanced manufacturing site selection.

With Illinois already producing more electricity from nuclear power than any other state, the infrastructure is here—it simply needs investment and modernization to meet new demand.

A General Economic And Real Estate Investment Opportunity

All of this creates a ripple effect in the general economy and real estate market. As tech companies, research centers, and lab-based startups expand into areas like the South Side’s South Works site or the research corridors around Argonne and Fermilab, demand for specialized commercial real estate will skyrocket.

Real estate investors should pay attention to:

• Lab-ready flex spaces

• Data center infrastructure

• Proximity to research universities and energy assets

The fusion of high tech and high power will give rise to new development zones—and early investors could benefit handsomely by anticipating the infrastructure needs of a quantum-powered economy.

Cheap Power Can Fuel Broad-Based Economic Growth

Cheap and reliable power is a cornerstone of a thriving economy, extending far beyond the AI and quantum sectors. Energy costs directly impact nearly every industry—from manufacturing and logistics to agriculture, healthcare, and retail. When electricity is affordable, businesses can operate more efficiently, reinvest in growth, and offer competitive pricing. For manufacturers in particular, energy can account for up to 30% of total production costs, making access to low-cost power a deciding factor in site selection and long-term viability. Lower utility expenses also benefit households, increasing disposable income and fueling consumer spending. Simply put, cheap energy reduces overhead, drives productivity, and enhances a region’s ability to attract and retain employers across all sectors of the economy.

Conclusion

Illinois is not starting from scratch. It already has one of the strongest quantum ecosystems in the country, world-class institutions, national labs, and a growing AI footprint. But with the global race accelerating and competitor states investing aggressively, now is the time for JB Pritzker to go nuclear—in every sense.

By doubling down on funding, partnerships, talent pipelines, power infrastructure, and ethical frameworks, Illinois can lead the nation into a future built on quantum logic, intelligent machines, and resilient communities.