Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was joined at the event by Northwestern officials. From left are Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, associate vice president for research; Eric Perreault, vice president for research; Henry S. Bienen, interim president; Mike Wasielewski, director of the Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE); and Erik Luijten, incoming provost and associate dean for research and doctoral education in the McCormick School of Engineering. Photos by Eileen Molony Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told hundreds of academic, government and industry leaders that Northwestern is central to the state’s push to become a national hub for quantum innovation. Photos by Eileen Molony Northwestern Quantum Week gave participants the chance to connect, share ideas and foster collaborations within the quantum science community. The week’s events were convened by the Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE) in partnership with the Illinois Economic Development Corporation. Photos by Eileen Molony
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker addressed quantum industry leaders, research scientists and government officials on April 24 at a keynote event that was one of the highlights of Northwestern’s inaugural Quantum Week.
Pritzker hailed the University’s research strengths and industry partnerships as key to Illinois’ broader strategy, which includes the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park now under development in Chicago.
“I’m here because Northwestern is an integral part of the nation’s best quantum hub that we’re building here in Illinois,” Pritzker said. “Illinois’ world-class academic and research institutions have long been at the center of our vision for a quantum future.”
Quantum technologies have the potential to drive new industries and accelerate existing ones, from secure communications to advanced materials and biomedical breakthroughs, positioning the state for long-term economic growth, Pritzker said.
