Overview
2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for quantum in Illinois. Global attention is growing, driven by technological advances, investment, major conferences, and international companies establishing a presence here. That momentum creates a unique opportunity to build on our quantum community.
Across research, startups, enterprise adoption, workforce development, and global convening, an unprecedented concentration of quantum activity is taking place in the region. The Year of Illinois Quantum is a community-led narrative designed to align, amplify, and celebrate this momentum under a shared banner.
This is not a new organization, conference, or governing body. It is a unifying story that reflects what is already happening and gives the ecosystem a common language to tell it together.
2026: 100 Years of Modern Quantum Mechanics → Illinois Leads the Next 100
Why Illinois
Illinois has quietly become one of the most complete quantum ecosystems in the world.
Illinois brings together
- World class research
- Investment and infrastructure
- Expanding startup ecosystem
- Global company presence
- Enterprise and cloud engagement
- Major international conferences
Purpose
The Year of Illinois Quantum exists to
- Align the ecosystem around a shared narrative
- Increase global visibility for Illinois-based quantum work
- Perpetuate the International Year of Quantum
- Connect industry, academia, government, and investors
- Attract talent, capital, and partnerships to the region
- Create continuity across conferences and initiatives
Ecosystem Participants and Stakeholders
The Year of Illinois Quantum is shaped by participation across the full ecosystem, including but not limited to the following groups.
Ecosystem and Convening Anchors
Academic Institutions
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
- UIUC
- Purdue University
- UW-Madison
- Illinois Universities
- Purdue NW
- Chicago State University
- City Colleges of Chicago
- Harper College
- University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago area high schools
Industry and Enterprise Partners
- Cloud and infrastructure providers
- Enterprise end users exploring pilots and adoption
- Consulting and systems integration partners
- Corporate innovation and venture teams
Public Sector and Workforce
- Governor's Office
- State economic development organizations
- Workforce training and education programs
- Community and student-focused initiatives
Startups and Builders
- Illinois-founded quantum startups
- Quantum software, hardware, and systems companies expanding into Illinois
- Early-stage teams relocating or establishing a presence in the region
2026 Anchor Events in Illinois
Events listed chronologically with intended audiences.
For updated quantum events, please refer to the Chicago Quantum Exchange calendar .
Proposed Events/Workshops
Year of Illinois Quantum Kickoff
Timing: Align with Global Quantum Forum (July 2026)
A community kickoff aligned with the Global Quantum Forum, featuring a Governor’s announcement of the Year of Illinois Quantum.
Objectives
- Set the shared narrative and goals for the year
- Highlight ongoing initiatives already underway
- Connect leaders across academia, industry, startups, and government
- Announce the full 2026 event calendar
Proposed format
- Half-day or evening program
- Short keynote remarks from ecosystem anchors
- Lightning talks from startups, labs, and enterprise partners
- Networking reception
Potential hosts/venues: Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago.
CQE Workshop Proposals
Funding: $1,500 + matching per workshop
Due date: Rolling submissions
CQE is inviting one-page proposals for in-person or hybrid workshops that advance quantum science and engineering, build cross-sector collaboration, and strengthen the regional ecosystem.
Priority themes
- Bridge multiple institutions and sectors
- Facilitate lively exchange across research, deployment, and workforce development
- Relevant to academia, national labs, and industry
Submit a proposal or contact quantum@uchicago.edu.
Quantum Qruise
Timing: Coincide with TechChicago Week
Bring together the Illinois tech and startup community for a shared experience that builds relationships across the ecosystem.
Objectives
- Connect Illinois founders, researchers, and industry leaders
- Strengthen collaboration across the tech and startup community
- Showcase the momentum of Illinois quantum initiatives
Proposed format
- Boat cruise for 100+ quantum leaders across startups, academia, public sector, economic development, and enterprise partners.
Year of Illinois Quantum Networking Event
Timing: Coincide with Q2B26 x Chicago Quantum Summit in December
Connect international visiting partners to the Illinois ecosystem and spotlight the momentum of quantum growth in the state.
Objectives
- Introduce global partners to Illinois research, startups, and industry
- Feature a guest speaker from IQMP or a local organization
- Excite guests about moving quantum operations to Illinois
Proposed format
- Networking reception at Q2B26 x Chicago Quantum Summit
ChiQHack
Timing: December with Chicago Quantum Recruiting Forum
A quantum hackathon for university students, designed as a challenge and networking opportunity with prospective employers in quantum.
Objectives
- Provide a hands-on quantum challenge for university students
- Facilitate networking between students and prospective employers in quantum
- Align with Chicago Quantum Recruiting Forum to connect talent with opportunities
Proposed format
- In-person, all-day hackathon on university campus
Year of Illinois Quantum Closing Event
Timing: July 2027
A capstone gathering to reflect on the year, share outcomes, and set momentum for what comes next.
Objectives
- Celebrate community achievements and collaborations
- Highlight research, pilots, and commercial progress
- Capture lessons learned and ecosystem growth
Proposed format: Evening reception or half-day forum.
Timing considerations: Align with Global Quantum Forum 2027.
Quantum Qoffee’s
Cadence: Monthly, Mar–Dec 2026
Build consistent community engagement, strengthen connections, and maintain momentum between major conferences and events.
Objectives
- Open networking
- One short spotlight talk or fireside chat
- Optional lightning updates from the community
Rotating hosts: Universities, innovation hubs, and partner spaces, with conference-adjacent sessions when stakeholders are in town.
Propose an Event
Have an idea for a workshop, meetup, or community program? Submit your proposal and help shape the Year of Illinois Quantum.
Community-led ideas are welcome and encouraged.
Contact brian.pearson@qbraid.com
How Partners Participate
- Amplify the Year of Illinois Quantum with the social press kit (link TBD)
- Use #YearofIllinoisQuantum or #YIQ in social posts
- Co-brand select slides, programs, or side events
- Cross-promote through newsletters and social channels
- Sponsor meetups, dinners, or ecosystem gatherings
- Collaborate on workforce, pilots, or research initiatives
Call to Action
If you are building, researching, investing, teaching, or deploying quantum technologies in or with Illinois, we invite you to participate in shaping the Year of Illinois Quantum.
Let’s align the story, amplify the work, and show the world what is happening here together.
Contact brian.pearson@qbraid.com