IBM’s FutureNow Chicago: A Milestone for Illinois Innovation and Workforce Development

Illinois EDC helps land FutureNow Chicago, a catalyst for jobs and innovation

Illinois has long been a hub for innovation and talent. Now, one of the most storied names in technology is doubling down on the state in a big way. IBM is establishing FutureNow Chicago at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on the city’s South Side, creating 750 new jobs and training City Colleges of Chicago apprentices in high-tech fields.

Made possible by countless partners across the state’s civic, philanthropic, higher-education, and private sectors, Illinois EDC was proud to contribute to this project that expands economic opportunity in high-tech careers and strengthens the state’s position as a global leader in innovation.

As part of its investment, IBM will be an anchor tenant with its FutureNow Chicago delivery center at the IQMP’s Quantum Works building, which will serve as a cutting-edge innovation and talent development hub. As a collaborative space, Quantum Works will house programs from partners including the National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC), the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) of the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, and various community and workforce development initiatives.

FutureNow Chicago will serve a dual purpose: helping industry partners tackle real-world technology challenges, such as AI transformation, cybersecurity, and risk mitigation, while creating clear pathways to careers for Illinois residents in high-growth sectors, such as quantum and artificial intelligence.

“Illinois’ long-term competitiveness depends on our ability to develop and connect talent to the industries of the future,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “This initiative reflects what’s possible when public and private partners come together—by creating direct pathways to careers in tech, this program is expanding access to high-quality jobs for South Side residents while strengthening the talent pipeline that powers Illinois’ economy.”

In addition to the City Colleges of Chicago, IBM is partnering with Chicago State University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to offer internships.

“IBM’s FutureNow Chicago delivery center will support new jobs, expand our Chicago delivery capability for IBM’s clients, and together, we will build the future of technology talent and create sustained economic growth,” said IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna.

IBM’s latest investment builds on the company’s recent commitment to Illinois, such as the announcement that its Quantum System Two will be based at the IQMP, and this month’s renewal and expansion of the IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute.

“IBM’s investment in Illinois is a powerful vote of confidence in our state’s growing technology and quantum ecosystem and the world-class workforce that powers it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are creating real opportunity for Illinoisans to access careers in the industries of the future and enabling communities on Chicago’s South Side to benefit from the economic opportunity this project brings. I’m grateful to IBM for choosing Illinois as a place to grow, innovate, and help build the talent pipeline needed to lead in quantum computing and advanced technologies.”

This investment adds to Illinois’ ecosystem of innovative workforce development initiatives, like the Xchange Chicago, to grow job opportunity and long-term economic mobility for residents of Chicago and the state.

See the State of Illinois’ press release here.

In the News

• Crain’s Chicago Business: IBM to hire 750 at Chicago’s quantum computing campus
• Bloomberg: IBM to Add 750 AI, Quantum Computing Jobs at Chicago Tech Hub