Illinois Quantum Startups boosted with partnership between UChicago and IBM
IBM and the University of Chicago Team Up to Boost Quantum Startups
In a significant move to accelerate quantum innovation, IBM and the University of Chicago have joined forces to support startups in the Duality quantum startup accelerator. This collaboration aims to empower the next generation of quantum leaders by providing resources, funding, and access to IBM's cutting-edge quantum computing technology.
The Duality quantum startup accelerator, led by the University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, has already supported over 25 startups since its launch in 2021, helping them raise more than $50 million in follow-on funding.
IBM is playing a pivotal role in this partnership. The tech giant is offering selected startups funding through IBM Ventures, access to the IBM Quantum System Two, which will be deployed at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), and access to IBM’s quantum computers via the cloud, along with technical expertise.
The University of Chicago, on the other hand, is supporting startups selected for Duality's quantum software track to explore the development of new quantum-centric algorithms. The University of Chicago's Interim Vice President for Science, Innovation, and Partnerships, Nadya Mason, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, "The University of Chicago is proud to play a leading role in building the quantum economy-advancing breakthrough science, supporting startups and shaping technologies that will power everything from the highest-resolution sensors to next-generation computing."
This collaboration ties into other efforts like the National Quantum Algorithm Center anchored by an IBM Quantum System Two, a new UChicago Science Incubator with a dedicated quantum suite, Harper Court Ventures’ $25 million fund targeting quantum startups, and joint quantum education initiatives with IBM in Asia.
Recently, the Duality quantum accelerator has been integrated into a larger deep tech program in partnership with Alchemist Accelerator, introducing a two-phase program supporting about 30 startups initially, then selecting 8–10 for investment and fundraising readiness.
Jay Gambetta, the vice president of IBM Quantum, emphasized the importance of this cross-sector partnership, stating, "This collaboration is key to accelerating quantum innovation, preparing a foundational quantum technology workforce, and securing the nation’s technological future."
With IBM's deep domain expertise and the University of Chicago's commitment to fostering a dynamic quantum ecosystem, this partnership promises to deliver useful quantum computing and help secure the nation’s technological future.
[1] IBM Press Release: IBM and the University of Chicago Announce Collaboration to Boost Quantum Startups, July 2025. [2] University of Chicago News: Building the Quantum Economy: UChicago and IBM Partner to Accelerate Quantum Startups, July 2025. [3] Argonne National Laboratory News: University of Chicago and IBM Team Up to Boost Quantum Startups, July 2025. [4] P33 News: P33 and IBM Announce Partnership to Boost Quantum Startups in Chicago, July 2025. [5] University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign News: UIUC and IBM Partner to Boost Quantum Startups, July 2025.
- This partnership between IBM and the University of Chicago extends to various sectors, including finance, as IBM Ventures provides funding to selected startups.
- The University of Chicago's involvement in the Duality quantum startup accelerator also includes education and self-development, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and technology, particularly in the development of new quantum-centric algorithms.
