Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC), one of only six companies worldwide that designs and manufactures the cryogenic infrastructure quantum technologies rely on, is opening its first international Innovation and Service Hub at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago. The company will also supply cryogenic systems to IQMP, expanding its role as a critical supplier to one of North America’s fastest-growing quantum ecosystems, while continuing to design and manufacture its systems in Alberta.
Located at the IQMP, the new Chicago Innovation and Service Hub positions Zero Point Cryogenics to strengthen relationships with government, defense, universities, research institutions and industry partners advancing quantum technologies across North America, supporting future collaboration and the commercialization of Canadian innovation. The hub will provide installation, maintenance and technical support for customers across the United States.
“Expanding our innovation and service presence in Chicago allows us to work more closely with our North American customers while strengthening relationships with government, defense and leading researchers helping shape the future of quantum technologies,” said Chris Cassin, CEO and co-founder of ZPC. ”Those relationships will help accelerate the commercialization of the cryogenic infrastructure required to move these technologies forward while our headquarters, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing continue to anchor our global growth from Alberta.”
Cassin, ZPC co-founder John P. Davis and members of the ZPC team were in Chicago Wednesday, where they were welcomed to the IQMP by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The IQMP is backed by the State of Illinois, and is a world-class innovation space that brings together private and public sector organizations into a unified ecosystem of quantum researchers, manufacturers and suppliers.
In addition to the Chicago expansion, ZPC continues to expand its workforce, manufacturing capacity and international customer base to meet growing global demand for quantum infrastructure. Chicago is the first of several planned hubs in the United States, Europe and Asia, although Cassin believes that Zero Point Cryogenics’ head office and most of its manufacturing will remain in Alberta, Canada.
“We need to have a presence in key markets, and we also need to stay inherently Canadian,” said Cassin. “Canada is a global leader in quantum technologies, and Zero Point Cryogenics has a responsibility to ensure we keep that lead by keeping cryogenics in the Canadian quantum supply chain.”
Demand for dilution refrigerators has grown as more universities, research institutions and technology companies invest in quantum computing and related research. Most quantum technologies cannot operate without specialized cryogenic cooling infrastructure in their stack because quantum bits, or qubits, perform accurately at temperatures close to absolute zero.
According to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, “Illinois is building the world’s leading quantum ecosystem by bringing together the companies, researchers, manufacturers, and suppliers needed to turn breakthrough discoveries into real-world technologies. Zero Point Cryogenics’ decision to establish its first U.S. location at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is another example of that strategy delivering results. Their investment strengthens the supply chain that supports quantum innovation, creates high-quality jobs, and reinforces Illinois’ position as the global capital of quantum technology.”
[Credit: Zero Point Cryogenics]
