IBM Quantum Computer Begins Operating in Chicago

IBM’s Quantum System Two is now operational at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago, the company’s first quantum computer installed in Illinois. The University of Chicago hosts the system, which was unveiled November 6 and is powered by IBM’s Nighthawk processor. It is intended to support research through the National Quantum Algorithm Center before moving to a planned permanent home at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

IBM says System Two will give researchers and business partners in Illinois access to dedicated quantum hardware as they develop algorithms and test potential applications. The center brings together companies, universities and research institutions. Projects described as underway include molecular modeling for drug discovery, work on electricity-grid optimization and research in high-energy physics and distributed quantum computing.

The drug-discovery collaboration involves IBM, Deloitte, AbbVie and Northwestern University. The grid research includes the Electric Power Research Institute and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, while Fermilab is involved in physics and distributed-computing work. The deployment itself establishes local access to the...