IBM and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced an expansion of the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute to advance research in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The expanded collaboration will focus on developing quantum-centric supercomputing, integrating IBM’s quantum systems with high-performance computing resources from the university’s National Center for Supercomputing Applications, including its Delta and DeltaAI systems. The initiative aims to create a hybrid computing environment in which quantum and classical systems collaborate to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of traditional supercomputers.
Over the next five years, the Institute will pursue breakthroughs in AI systems, quantum computing, and advanced algorithms to address challenges across materials science, chemistry, and physics. Researchers will also explore new architectures and workflows that enable seamless coordination between quantum processors and classical computing infrastructure.
A key area of focus will be the development of next-generation AI systems capable of handling emerging workloads, as well as the use of AI to accelerate the design of specialized computing hardware. The collaboration will also introduce a new research initiative aimed at integrating algorithms, silicon, and system design into a unified, AI-native development approach.
Launched in 2021, the Discovery Accelerator Institute has already supported 20 research projects and produced more than 230 research papers across areas including hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum computing. The expansion builds on this foundation to position Illinois as a global hub for next-generation computing innovation.
In addition to research, the initiative will emphasize education and workforce development, with programs designed to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in AI, quantum computing, and high-performance computing.
The partnership reflects growing collaboration between academia and industry to advance foundational technologies that are expected to shape the future of computing and scientific discovery.
KEY QUOTES:
“I’m pleased to see the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute building on years of progress and partnership with U. of I. as Illinois innovators pursue critical discoveries in quantum computing and AI. Illinois’ world-class research institutions, unique industry collaborations, and unmatched research talent position our state at the forefront of global progress, and I look forward to seeing the countless advancements that this expansion will bring.”
JB Pritzker, Governor, Illinois
“IBM is thrilled to help provide quantum-centric supercomputing to Illinois researchers, alongside an expansion of the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute’s efforts in AI for systems design. As the brilliant minds within the Institute discover and test new algorithms, they will drive groundbreaking research to power the applications made possible by AI and quantum computing.”
Jay Gambetta, Director Of IBM Research And IBM Fellow
“Our goal with the expansion is to build on past successes and continue advancing the institute’s impact. We aim to reach new heights in the next five years. Our students have expressed appreciation to both Illinois and IBM for involvement in a truly unique program. They benefit from working on-site at IBM, gaining access to advanced computing resources and mentorship by IBM colleagues, while continuing to make progress on their thesis.”
Deming Chen, Co-Director, IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute
“The Grainger College of Engineering is thrilled to host this flagship partnership with IBM to define the future of how AI, quantum and supercomputing will come together for the greatest impact. Additionally, the Institute’s presence in Chicago at the Discovery Partners Institute will allow for greater integration with IBM and the Chicago quantum ecosystem.”
Rashid Bashir, Dean, The Grainger College Of Engineering, University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
“Collaborative efforts like the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute foster strong connections and advance discovery in areas such as AI, quantum and supercomputing. The Institute is a wonderful example of how Illinois research partners with industry to create momentum and drive innovations that will change the world.”
Susan Martinis, Senior Vice Chancellor For Research And Innovation, University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
