IBM and the University of Chicago joining forces to amplify quantum startups in Illinois
The University of Chicago (UChicago) and IBM have formed a strategic partnership through the Duality quantum startup accelerator, marking a significant milestone in the nation's first quantum startup accelerator program. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of quantum software and applications.
Emily Fontaine, the global head of IBM Ventures, will provide funding to startups in the Duality accelerator. Selected startups will not only receive financial support but also gain access to IBM’s quantum computers, including the advanced IBM Quantum System Two, which is set to be deployed at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). This partnership will enable startups to leverage IBM’s cutting-edge quantum technology.
Nadya Mason, the Interim Vice President for Science, Innovation, and Partnerships at UChicago and the dean of the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. The University of Chicago's Polsky Center, a partner in Duality, will work alongside the Chicago Quantum Exchange to lead the accelerator.
Duality's quantum software track will support startups in exploring the development of new quantum-centric algorithms. The program also boasts founding partners such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Argonne National Laboratory.
IBM's Vice President of Quantum, Jay Gambetta, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for the future of computing, highlighting the potential to empower the next generation of quantum leaders.
Beyond resources and funding, this partnership integrates educational initiatives aimed at preparing 40,000 students over the next decade for quantum computing careers in the U.S. and internationally, with partners in Japan and South Korea.
Additional related efforts include the UChicago Science Incubator with a dedicated quantum suite and Harper Court Ventures, a $25 million fund specialized in investing in high-impact quantum and tech sectors.
Since Duality's launch in 2021, it has supported over 25 startups, helping them raise more than $50 million in follow-on funding, indicating significant ecosystem growth and startup maturation.
Moreover, a new deep tech accelerator program, launched in collaboration with Alchemist Accelerator and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center, will enhance and extend Duality's reach by supporting up to 30 quantum (and other deep tech) startups in a phased program focused on validation, traction, and fundraising readiness.
In summary, the UChicago-IBM partnership via Duality directly accelerates quantum software and algorithm development, provides startups critical access to cutting-edge quantum computing hardware, and cultivates a strong talent pipeline and investment environment, thus driving advancements in quantum computing applications and strengthening the U.S. quantum technology landscape.
References: [1] University of Chicago News - https://news.uchicago.edu/ [2] IBM Newsroom - https://newsroom.ibm.com/ [3] Duality - https://duality.uchicago.edu/ [5] Alchemist Accelerator - https://alchemistaccelerator.com/
Quantum software and algorithm development is accelerated via the UChicago-IBM partnership, utilizing IBM's advanced quantum systems such as the Quantum System Two. This collaboration also provides critical access to cutting-edge quantum computing hardware for startups, aiming to empower the next generation of quantum leaders and cultivate a strong talent pipeline in quantum computing.
