GLOBAL QUANTUM FORUM TO DEBUT DURING TECHCHICAGO WEEK, MARKING A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE QUANTUM INDUSTRY

Over 70 Speakers Including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, NYU Professor Scott Galloway and Technology Journalist David Pogue to Take Part in Inaugural Forum Exploring Quantum Policy and Quantum's Impact On Energy Innovation, AI, Security, Healthcare, and Investment

CHICAGO, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- P33, Intersect Illinois and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs today announced the inaugural Global Quantum Forum, a two-day conference focused on advancing quantum technology and shaping the industry's global business and policy landscape through international collaboration. The two-day forum will be held on July 23 and 24, 2025, in Chicago at Venue SIX10.

As the centerpiece of TechChicago Week 2025, the forum will bring together quantum leaders, business executives, global investors, policymakers and leading scientists from 21 countries. With over 70 speakers and 13 expert-led panels, the event will feature moderated discussions examining both the opportunities and challenges of the quantum revolution.

"Illinois is fast becoming the global quantum capital—a testament to our world-class talent, relentless innovation, and bold vision to be a premier technology hub," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "With no international policies yet in place, the conversations we're hosting are more critical than ever. By convening global experts, policymakers, and CEOs from major energy, tech, and financial companies, we're working to shape the ethical and governance frameworks for this transformative technology."

An exclusive fireside chat with NYU Stern Professor and bestselling author Scott Galloway will explore the societal implications of this emerging technology. Also joining the event is David Pogue, Emmy-winning CBS correspondent and bestselling author known for demystifying science and technology.

"The quantum revolution is set to reshape geopolitics and global commerce," said Leslie Vinjamuri, President and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "Chicago is uniquely positioned to host critical international conversations on this transformational technology. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is excited to partner with P33 and Intersect Illinois to bring together leaders from more than 20 countries to explore both the extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges that quantum technologies present to the international community." 

"Illinois is the epicenter for quantum innovation in North America, and we are proud to host this landmark event that will bring together international companies, researchers, and leaders from across the globe, adding to the rich diversity and collaborative spirit that defines our region. As a leader in quantum science and technology, Illinois welcomes the world to join us in shaping the future of this transformative field," said Christy George, President & CEO of Intersect Illinois.

Additional notable speakers include Shana Kelley, PhD, president of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; Bobby Mehta, chairman of the board at JLL; Jeremy O'Brien, CEO of PsiQuantum; Kate Weber, head of governance at Google Quantum AI; Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd; Jon Finer, former principal deputy national security advisor; Joe Altepeter, program manager at Microsystems Technology Office, DARPA; Rita Cook, managing director and president of Bank of America Chicago; and Tom Wilson, CEO of The Allstate Corporation.

"Given that quantum has now reached a critical inflection point, Chicago is poised to host and lead the necessary global conversations about how this critical technology will enter the mainstream for business and policy leaders and this first-of-its-kind conference is a must attend for those interested in leveraging this technology for good," said P33 CEO Brad Henderson.

Additional highlights from the program include:

Chip War 2.0: The Quantum Front with Chris Miller, author of Chip War; Pat Gelsinger former Intel CEO and General Partner, Playground; Omkaram Nalamasu CTO, Applied Materials; and Dr. Steve Brierley CEO & Founder, Riverlane.

Powering the Future – Quantum's Role in the Energy Transition with Darío Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research; Chris Womack, President and CEO of Southern Company; Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions; Calvin Butler, CEO of Exelon; and Michael Polsky, CEO of Invenergy.

A Conversation on Global AI and Quantum Leadership led by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and Arvind Krishna, chairman and CEO of IBM.

The Quantum-AI Convergence – What Happens When Machines Get Smarter bringing together Sam Stanwyck, Group Product Manager, Quantum Computing at NVIDIA; Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion; Andrew Homan, managing partner of Maverick Silicon; and Dr. Toshiharu Miwa, Senior Manager at Hitachi.

Solving the Unsolvable – Quantum and Humanity's Grand Challenges featuring insights from Harley Johnson, director and CEO at IQMP; Dr. Joe Altepeter, program manager at the Microsystems Technology Office at DARPA; and Shana Kelley, PhD, president at Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.

The full agenda is available at globalaffairs.org/quantum. Due to high interest, the Global Quantum Forum is sold out. Media interested in arranging an interview or covering a panel session should contact Ben Pavlovic at ben@vinesprout.com. Please see below for additional quotes from leaders of Illinois' quantum revolution.

The Global Quantum Forum is hosted by P33, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Intersect Illinois. The presenting sponsor is ComEd. Lead sponsors include Bank of America, Constellation Energy, JLL, and The Rockefeller Foundation. Major sponsors include Allstate, Amazon, Ameren, Clayco, Comer Science and Education Foundation, Comcast, the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, EY, Google, IBM, Infleqtion, Nicor, Optiver, PsiQuantum, Related, UL Solutions, and United. Other partners include BCG as the official Content Partner and the Wall Street Journal.

Additionally, the fourth annual TechChicago Week will also include the Aspen Institute's Aspen Ideas: Climate conference as well as TechChicago Week's returning events such as FusionX:GreatLakes Roadshow, Capital Summit, TechRise, and Intern Social, along with more than 60 partner events taking place across the city. For tickets and to view the full week's schedule visit: https://gotechchicago.com/week/.

QUOTE APPENDIX:

"Since the earliest days of the Pritzker-Stratton administration, we've been working to make Illinois a global hub in quantum research and development. I'm proud to say we're one of the few states to invest in and actualize a plan for the future of quantum," said Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "By positioning Illinois as a global leader in quantum technology, we're ensuring the resilience of our economy and promoting job opportunities for the future."

"Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, and we're becoming a national and international leader for quantum technology," U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. "As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I'm committed to promoting Illinois on a global level to help bring home investments, especially in our growing quantum industry, and making sure Illinois's quantum projects have the federal support they need. I'm pleased to see this Global Quantum Forum coming to Chicago next month to highlight our great city and help prove we are the place to be for all things quantum."

"Between Fermilab and Argonne National Lab, our top-tier universities, and the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, Illinois has become a global hub for quantum computing," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "I recently introduced the bipartisan DOE Quantum Leadership Act to supercharge research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies—technologies that will grow the medical, financial, and materials industries right here in Illinois. Illinois is leading the quantum revolution, and the Global Quantum Forum keeps the momentum going."

"Illinois is emerging as a global leader in quantum technology, and ComEd is proud to provide the electrical infrastructure and industry-leading grid reliability that makes this development possible," said Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd. "We look forward to seeing what amazing advancements this new era of data processing will make possible, and we're excited about the potential for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to be a catalyst for economic growth in our region – and beyond."

"IQMP represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of quantum computing, and to do so in a way that expands access to innovation and economic opportunity for local residents," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "Cook County is proud to support this historic investment, and we look forward to welcoming global leaders to Chicago for the Global Quantum Forum as we work together to ensure this next wave of technological progress is both transformational and inclusive. It's important to remember, with this historic investment we are not just building a quantum computing hub here in Chicago, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all residents of our region."

"Illinois is rapidly emerging as a global hub for quantum innovation—and I'm proud that the Southeast Side of Chicago, where I was born and raised, is playing a central role in shaping that future right here in our city," said 7th Ward Alderman Gregory Mitchell. "With the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the former U.S. Steel site, we're not just talking about technology—we're building infrastructure for inclusive economic transformation. Hosting the Global Quantum Forum here in Chicago sends a clear message: global innovation can—and must—be rooted in local impact. As a civic leader with a background in technology, I believe quantum computing, alongside advances in fields like AI, represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock new industries, careers, and futures for communities like mine in the 7th Ward."

"Since the announcement of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park last summer, the eyes of the quantum world have been on this first-of-its-kind project developing right in the 10th Ward. Now, with the inaugural Global Quantum Forum, international scientists, business leaders and policymakers will be coming to Chicago to learn more about the industry, the Park and why our city and state are the place to be for the future of this emerging technology. I'm hopeful this event will continue to spur investment and opportunity in the 10th Ward and across Illinois," said 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico.

"Illinois is fast becoming a center of gravity for quantum innovation, with the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to build globally competitive technologies," said Matt Kinsella, CEO, Infleqtion. "Events like the Global Quantum Forum underscore the critical role regional ecosystems play in translating scientific leadership into commercial impact. Infleqtion looks forward to advancing that momentum alongside partners in Illinois and worldwide."

"Illinois is already a global hub for quantum innovation—home to world-class institutions, national labs, and a growing quantum economy. At the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, we're proud to be at the forefront of this movement, advancing breakthrough quantum research and training the next generation of quantum leaders. The Global Quantum Forum is an important opportunity to connect local strengths with global momentum, and to showcase how collaboration across sectors and borders can accelerate the future of quantum science and technology for the benefit of humanity," said Nadya Mason, Dean, UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Interim Vice President for Science, Innovation, and Partnerships at the University of Chicago.

"The Global Quantum Forum in Chicago will be an exciting opportunity to showcase Illinois' unmatched quantum ecosystem and the transformational vision of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park for an audience of global leaders from across sectors. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners as we shape the future of quantum technology and further Illinois' position as the global leader in quantum," said Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

HOST ORGANIZATIONS

About P33

P33 is a publicly and privately-funded non-profit with a mission to transform Chicago into a tier 1 tech and innovation hub driving inclusive economic growth. P33's work is anchored in deep research and driven by a need to unlock the potential of the digital age to solve some of the toughest problems facing Chicago, such as equitable access to digital careers, talent retention, deep science commercialization, and gaps in the growth-stage startup ecosystem. P33 was launched in 2019 by Penny Pritzker, former Secretary of Commerce and founder and chairman of PSP Partners; Chris Gladwin, CEO and co-founder of Ocient and Cleversafe; and Kelly Welsh, former President of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago. Learn more at p33chicago.com.

About the Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to expanding public knowledge of and engagement in global affairs. Since its founding, the Council has put Chicago audiences at the center of important conversations with global leaders, influencers, and changemakers. It continues to foster public dialogue and explore diverse, fact-based perspectives on critical global issues through public programming and events. Throughout its history, the Council has prioritized informing, inspiring, and involving the next generation in shaping our world. Its Emerging Leaders Program, established in 2010, identifies and supports Chicago's rising civic and corporate leaders as they move into global leadership roles. The Council also amplifies a wider range of voices on US foreign policy through public opinion research. For 50 years, the Council has tracked trends in Americans' views on global affairs and influenced public debates to advance effective policymaking. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.

About Intersect Illinois

Intersect Illinois is the statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new jobs and investment to the state. As the state's business attraction organization, Intersect Illinois collaborates with partners in the public and private sectors to attract new jobs and investment. The organization showcases the state's advantages including its central location with access to the country and world, its unmatched infrastructure, and its robust workforce fueled by its dynamic higher education system. Intersect Illinois makes it easier for companies to expand in Illinois by providing a range of services to help navigate the site selection process.

Media Contact
Ben Pavlovic
ben@vinesprout.com

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