Editor’s Note: This is the second of three explainers examining key issues in the 128-acre Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, or IQMP. Today, we look at the project’s potential for job creation. We’ll wrap up the series with a focus on projected water use and environmental impacts.
Read more: How Much Public and Private Money Is Powering Chicago’s Quantum Push?
At the heart of the state’s new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, officials promise thousands of high-paying jobs and a chance to turn Chicago into a global tech hub. But a closer look at the numbers reveals how expensive those jobs are, who they’re likely to go to, and what it will take for the park to deliver on its promises.
What is the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park?
The 128-acre Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a state-backed development on Chicago’s South Side designed to turn Illinois into a national hub for quantum computing and advanced microelectronics manufacturing. It’s anchored by PsiQuantum with major investment from the state.
More on Chicago’s big quantum bet: The Promises and Pitfalls of Quantum Computing in Chicago
How many jobs are expected at the park?
IQMP’s boosters have said the project could attract thousands of jobs to the South side. But the state’s tax incentive agreements with quantum industry companies require a comparatively small 240 new jobs.
Those requirements include:
- PsiQuantum: 154 jobs
- Pasqal: 50 jobs
- Infleqtion: 36 new jobs and 14 existing jobs
Two other companies will have a presence at the IQMP development, according to public announcements so far:
- IBM: 50 jobs
- Diraq: Two to four jobs
That brings the total number of known IQMP-related jobs to just over 300, although IQMP officials say that number will grow as more companies move in and production ramps up.
What kinds of jobs are these?
Most of the jobs are highly specialized technical roles, not entry-level manufacturing work. Incentive agreements and company statements show that employers are primarily hiring:
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Software developers
- Technicians
- Professional staff supporting research and manufacturing
Illinois gave Pasqal and Infleqtion $11.4 million in tax breaks for 86 new jobs
Roughly 95% of the jobs are in fields that require a degree. About 18% require an advanced degree. More than 72% of the roles are in engineering, computer science, math or physics.
These roles reflect the reality of an industry that is still in its research and early manufacturing phase.
How much is Illinois paying for these jobs?
An Illinois Answers Project analysis found that IQMP companies are receiving some of the highest incentives per job in the state. The median state funding for an incentivized job is $20,000 per job.
- PsiQuantum: $92 million for 150 jobs (nearly $600,000 per job)
- Pasqal: about $122,000 per job
- Infleqtion: about $107,000 per job
The quantum industry receives some of the highest tax breaks in the state
Among Illinois tax incentive programs that are tied to job creation, IQMP-related agreements average $276,000 dollars per job created or retained, more than 95% of similar agreements in other industries. The only agreements that outpace quantum tech tax breaks are tied to data center projects.
Why are incentives so high?
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the state is trying to build an industry — not just attract a factory.
“We pay attention to what other states are doing and we also try and stay ahead of the game by working closely with our association partners or industry partners to listen to what industry needs as they’re making decisions on which state to locate or expand to,” DCEO Director Kristin Richards said.
Richards said the cost reflects high wages, major capital investments, and interstate competition for quantum companies and talent.
Is Illinois competing with other states?
Cities across the US are competing for investment from the quantum industry
Many of these hubs have government-backed developments like IQMP. In Arvada, Colorado, a 70-acre quantum campus called Quantum Commons is under construction, offering shared labs and advanced equipment to dozens of companies. Chicago has hosted multiple quantum conferences in recent years as part of its recruitment push.
Who are these jobs for?
Right now, most of these positions require college degrees or specialized experience, especially in computer science, engineering and physics. That raises questions about how accessible the jobs will be for nearby residents and whether Illinois is investing enough in workforce training on the South Side to build a local pipeline.
Industry experts say quantum companies are still five-to-10 years away from profitability, meaning current hiring is focused on research, development and scaling, not mass employment.
Is 300 jobs the final number?
No, but the state can currently guarantee 254 new jobs at IQMP, with around 50 more committed by individual companies.
Officials say the park is designed to grow, with more companies expected to join over time. Whether that growth translates into thousands of jobs or just hundreds will depend on how quickly quantum technology moves from research into widespread commercial use and if IQMP recruits supply chain and microelectronics manufacturers.
What comes next?
Next week, Illinois Answers Project will examine potential water use from the park — and what that means for the surrounding community.
