IBM and the University of Chicago have announced their intent to offer Duality startups resources and support for developing quantum software and exploring algorithms and applications. Duality is a quantum startup accelerator jointly led by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), with founding partners including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Argonne National Laboratory, and P33.
Selected startups will gain access to the IBM Quantum System Two planned for deployment at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). They will also receive funding from IBM Ventures, IBM’s corporate venture capital fund, along with access to IBM’s quantum computers over the cloud and technical expertise. This plan expands IBM’s support for UChicago’s objective of identifying and developing a pipeline of quantum computing startups.
This initiative is an example of ongoing collaborations between IBM, the University of Chicago, and organizations across Illinois. It connects with recently announced plans for the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) at IQMP, which will be anchored by an IBM Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs and aims to uncover algorithms leveraging quantum-centric supercomputing. Supporting elements in the University of Chicago ecosystem also include the new UChicago Science Incubator (featuring a dedicated quantum suite) and Harper Court Ventures, a new $25 million fund targeting quantum computing companies.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Illinois’ position in quantum innovation and accelerate the development of the quantum ecosystem. IBM and the University of Chicago also collaborate on quantum education initiatives in Japan and South Korea, with a goal of preparing 40,000 students for quantum computing careers over the next decade. IBM’s engagement in Illinois includes the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, a collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign focused on quantum computing and related technical fields.
Read the full announcement here.
July 24, 2025
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