CHICAGO – November 07, 2026 -- IBM, the University of Chicago, the State of Illinois and Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) have unveiled an IBM Quantum System Two in Chicago. It is IBM's first quantum computer in Illinois and the most advanced system the company offers.
The machine runs on IBM Quantum Nighthawk, the most powerful quantum chip IBM has built. It is operational at Hyde Park Labs, hosted by the University of Chicago, and will move to IQMP once construction of the campus is complete.
System Two anchors the National Quantum Algorithm Center
The system will serve as the anchor machine for IQMP's National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC), which Illinois Governor JB Pritzker established in 2024 with IBM as a leading member. Scientists, universities, national laboratories, startups and enterprises already work with IBM inside NQAC to develop algorithms and applications.
IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said the system can deliver "scientifically useful results" to organizations in Illinois and beyond today.
Deloitte, AbbVie and EPRI run Grand Challenge projects with IBM
Deloitte and AbbVie are working with IBM and Northwestern University on quantum molecular simulation approaches for drug discovery researchers. EPRI and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are exploring whether quantum optimization algorithms can make power grids more efficient.
Fermilab is working with IBM in Illinois to accelerate high-energy physics research with quantum computing and to advance technologies for distributed quantum computing.
IBM and UChicago demonstrated quantum advantage with guaranteed correctness
IBM and the University of Chicago recently demonstrated quantum advantage over leading classical methods using an approach with guaranteed correctness. IBM is also partnering with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on quantum progress.
FutureNow Chicago center targets 750 jobs at IQMP
Earlier this year, IBM announced the FutureNow Chicago center at IQMP, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. The center is expected to bring 750 jobs to the region across AI, cybersecurity, data science, quantum computing and other technologies.
Harley Johnson, CEO of IQMP, said the machine will anchor NQAC at the park. Christy George, president and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, said access to advanced computing systems, researchers and industry partners in one place is a draw for companies developing quantum technologies.