The Quantum Promise: Can Quantum Computing Revitalize South Chicago?
In the heart of South Chicago, Silvestre Luna, a 19-year-old resident, dreams of a better future. Like many young people, he aspires to a fulfilling career with good pay and opportunities for growth. However, his path has been tough. After losing his little brother around Halloween in 2023, Silvestre dropped out of high school to cope with his grief.
Now, he is working toward his GED to secure a job that pays more than $30 an hour, potentially saving for college to study engineering. Yet, his neighborhood struggles to offer such opportunities. Once a bustling industrial hub with steel manufacturing jobs, South Chicago has declined since the 1970s, leaving residents competing for fast-food and retail jobs that pay around $16-$20 an hour.
However, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. A quantum computing development set to break ground this year on a former steel manufacturing site promises to bring thousands of high-paying jobs to the area in the next decade, supported by a $500 million investment from the state. But the reality of whether this development will benefit South Chicago remains uncertain.
What the Quantum Park Could Do for South Chicago
Business and political leaders envision The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park as a transformative economic engine for South Chicago. The park, aiming to become a hub for startups and tech giants, focuses on revolutionary leaps in computing and quantum technology. They hope it will revitalize the economically struggling community.
Community members hope the park will bring improvements such as better roads, transit, school renovations, reduced violence, and more educational opportunities. However, skepticism lingers. Quantum computing is still in the research phase, with some experts doubting its commercial viability. Additionally, residents fear they may not qualify for high-paying jobs, leading to increased housing costs and displacement.
Explainer: What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing represents the next frontier in computing technology. Unlike classical computers which process information in binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, enabling them to manage complex tasks more efficiently by processing multiple possibilities simultaneously. While the technology shows promise, questions remain about its scalability and practical applications.
Leaders in quantum science and engineering, such as David Stewart from Purdue University, believe quantum computing holds the potential to revolutionize industries. Yet, the industry remains nascent, with many questions about its commercial applications and feasibility.
What is a Quantum Hub?
A quantum hub, like the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, acts as a catalyst for innovation by bringing together researchers, startups, and industry leaders. The park aims to develop quantum technologies by providing research, lab, and cryogenics facilities. It will also feature non-computing jobs, such as construction and human resources, providing temporary employment opportunities.
Luna, a South Chicago resident, represents many residents hopeful that the park will lead to better job prospects. He and other community members frequently attend meetings to learn about potential job opportunities and improvements.
Who Are the Jobs For?
The quantum industry primarily seeks advanced scientists and engineers, requiring high levels of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 3% of software developers hold a high school diploma or less, while nearly 90% possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
Job postings on the Quantum Consortium website indicate a significant need for roles such as software engineers, electrical engineers, physicists, and computer scientists, with many offering six-figure salaries. Meanwhile, professional services roles like sales, marketing, and human resources account for about one in five postings.
A smaller number of jobs require only high school or associate’s degrees, paying approximately $30-$50 per hour. These roles include production and technician jobs, where applicants undergo on-the-job training to understand quantum environments.
Kate Timmerman from the Chicago Quantum Exchange emphasizes that cutting-edge industries often start with specialized researchers and gradually become more accessible to people with less advanced degrees.
Hopes and Promises
Celia Colón, CEO of Giving Others Dreams, believes the quantum hub could reduce violence in her neighborhood by providing residents with high-paying jobs. Successful economic development could improve residents’ quality of life, potentially diminishing acts of violence.
