Durbin Celebrates Quantum Innovation In Illinois

Durbin Celebrates Quantum Innovation In Illinois

MxD Manufacturing, Illinois-DARPA programs, Quantum Proving Ground provide economic opportunity and strengthen Illinois' innovation ecosystem

CHICAGO - Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) celebrated quantum technology innovation in Illinois with a visit to MxD to discuss integrating quantum technology into manufacturing processes. Earlier this week, Durbin joined Governor Pritzker, U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08) and Bill Foster (D-IL-11), and other Illinois leaders to announce a new partnership between the federal government and Illinois-Quantum Proving Ground-to promote quantum computing research, development, and manufacturing in the state.

"Illinois has long held the spirit of invention, innovation, and influence. The quantum computing campus further establishes Illinois as a global hub for technology and innovation," said Durbin. "Through the combined efforts of Illinois' National Labs, world-class universities, industry leaders like MxD, and now our growing partnership with the Department of Defensewith the Quantum Proving Ground, our state will continue to champion technologies and industries of the future."

MxD connects, trains, and provides other support to our nation's manufacturers. Durbin spoke at MxD's "Quantum Technology in Manufacturing: Unleashing Innovation and Exponential Change" event to discuss quantum technology in manufacturing, which has the promise to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, precision, and innovation. The event comes after the announcement that Illinois and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) signed an agreement to create a Quantum Proving Ground. This project will be housed in Illinois' upcoming quantum research, development, and manufacturing campus.

Durbin has advocated for Illinois as a leader in technology and innovation. In June, Durbin met with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of DARPA, to discuss Illinois' role in research and development. He is also working to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act, a bill that would empower the agencies across the federal government to advance understanding and deployment of quantum technologies.

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