A cross-sector coalition led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange has been selected as a semifinalist in the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, the NSF announced Tuesday. The Midwest coalition, Quantum Connected, aims to advance quantum technology commercialization and workforce development efforts to advance the nation’s cyber and communication security and secure the IL-WI-IN region’s position as the nation’s leading quantum innovation zone. It is among 29 teams selected to pitch the NSF during “virtual site visits” later this summer.
NSF anticipates announcing the final list of NSF Engines awards in early 2026.
The CQE community has seen substantial progress in the past two years. In addition to an NSF Engine Development Award, the CQE also leads the US Economic Development Administration–designated Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, which is aimed at accelerating the development of quantum technologies that strengthen US economic and national security. The Bloch was instrumental in attracting Bluefors, the world leader in manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems for quantum technology, to the region and bringing its Bluefors Lab service into the United States for the first time.
The region is also home to nearly two dozen quantum startups, including three with Wisconsin offices and two in Indiana; the Roberts Impact Lab, a commercialization center and regional hub for business growth under development by Purdue University Northwest; the nation’s first quantum startup accelerator, Duality; the annual Chicago Quantum Summit, taking place on November 3 and 4 this year; and more.
Launched by NSF TIP, the NSF Engines program is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters US economic competitiveness and national security. Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize a wide variety of industries and offer solutions to pressing global challenges.
"This outstanding cohort of semifinalists clearly demonstrates that America’s technology competitiveness will depend as much on expanding our ability to unlock innovation capacity in every part of our country — from the rural plains and western ranges to cities with rich industrial and manufacturing legacies — as it will on advancing the technologies themselves," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP). "Each team was selected because it brought strong public and private partners to the table and outlined a promising vision for research, innovation and workforce development in their respective regions of service, thereby advancing U.S competitiveness, national security and economic growth."
Quantum Connected is among 17 of the semifinalists to have received two-year planning grants in 2023 and early 2024 that they leveraged to help build coalitions and refine visions for dynamic innovation ecosystems within their regions. As part of that award, the CQE commissioned an analysis that projected up to $80 billion in economic impact for the IL-WI-IN region and as many as 191,000 jobs if the region continues to attract funding for quantum technology.
As Congress considers the FY2026 budget, however, funding for NSF Engines remains uncertain, with significant preliminary cuts to the NSF budget.