Insider Brief
- The Global Quantum Forum will debut July 23–24, 2025, in Chicago as part of TechChicago Week, convening over 70 global leaders to shape the future of quantum technology through business and policy dialogue.
- Speakers include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and NYU’s Scott Galloway, with panels addressing quantum’s role in energy, AI, security, and global governance.
- The event is hosted by P33, Intersect Illinois, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and is backed by sponsors including ComEd, Bank of America, Google, and PsiQuantum.
PRESS RELEASE — P33, Intersect Illinois, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs today announced the inaugural Global Quantum Forum, a two-day international conference dedicated to advancing quantum technology and shaping the global business and policy landscape. The event will take place July 23–24, 2025, at Venue SIX10 in Chicago.
Serving as the centerpiece of TechChicago Week 2025, the forum will bring together leaders from 21 countries—quantum scientists, business executives, investors, and policymakers—for 13 expert-led panels and over 70 speakers.
“Illinois is fast becoming the global quantum capital—a testament to our world-class talent, relentless innovation, and bold vision to be a premier technology hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With no international policies yet in place, the conversations we’re hosting are more critical than ever.”
Speakers include NYU’s Scott Galloway, who will lead a fireside chat on the societal implications of quantum, and David Pogue, the Emmy-winning CBS correspondent and bestselling author known for making science accessible.
Leslie Vinjamuri, President & CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said the quantum revolution will reshape geopolitics and commerce, and that Chicago is uniquely positioned to lead critical international dialogue.
Christy George, President & CEO of Intersect Illinois, highlighted Illinois’ role as a North American epicenter for quantum innovation and welcomed the global community to participate in shaping the field’s future.
Featured Panels and Speakers
Chip War 2.0: The Quantum Front
- Chris Miller (author of Chip War)
- Pat Gelsinger (former Intel CEO, Playground Global)
- Omkaram Nalamasu (CTO, Applied Materials)
- Dr. Steve Brierley (CEO, Riverlane)
Powering the Future – Quantum’s Role in the Energy Transition
- Darío Gil (SVP & Director, IBM Research)
- Chris Womack (President & CEO, Southern Company)
- Jennifer Scanlon (CEO, UL Solutions)
- Calvin Butler (CEO, Exelon)
- Michael Polsky (CEO, Invenergy)
Global AI and Quantum Leadership
- Penny Pritzker (former U.S. Secretary of Commerce)
- Arvind Krishna (Chairman & CEO, IBM)
The Quantum-AI Convergence
- Sam Stanwyck (Quantum Computing Product Manager, NVIDIA)
- Matthew Kinsella (CEO, Infleqtion)
- Andrew Homan (Managing Partner, Maverick Silicon)
- Dr. Toshiharu Miwa (Senior Manager, Hitachi)
Solving the Unsolvable – Quantum and Humanity’s Grand Challenges
- Harley Johnson (CEO, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park)
- Dr. Joe Altepeter (Program Manager, DARPA)
- Shana Kelley, PhD (President, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub)
The full agenda is available at globalaffairs.org/quantum. The event is currently sold out. Members of the press interested in interviews or panel coverage should contact Ben Pavlovic at ben@vinesprout.com.
Sponsors and Hosts
The Global Quantum Forum is hosted by P33, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Intersect Illinois.
- Presenting Sponsor: ComEd
- Lead Sponsors: Bank of America, Constellation Energy, JLL, The Rockefeller Foundation
- Major Sponsors: Allstate, Amazon, Ameren, Clayco, Comer Science and Education Foundation, Comcast, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, EY, Google, IBM, Infleqtion, Nicor, Optiver, PsiQuantum, Related, UL Solutions, United
Additional Quotes
- Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: “We’re one of the few states to invest in and actualize a plan for the future of quantum.”
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth: “I’m committed to promoting Illinois on a global level to bring home investments in our growing quantum industry.”
- Sen. Dick Durbin: “Illinois is leading the quantum revolution, and the Global Quantum Forum keeps the momentum going.”
- Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd: “We’re excited about the potential for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to drive regional economic growth.”
- Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President: “We’re not just building a quantum computing hub—we’re laying the foundation for a brighter future.”
- Ald. Gregory Mitchell (7th Ward): “Quantum computing represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock new industries and careers for communities like mine.”
- Ald. Peter Chico (10th Ward): “With the Global Quantum Forum, the world will see why Chicago is the place to be for emerging technology.”
- Matt Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion: “Regional ecosystems like Illinois play a critical role in turning science into commercial impact.”
- Nadya Mason, Dean, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering: “The forum showcases how collaboration across borders can accelerate quantum science for humanity.”
- Harley Johnson, CEO of Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park: “We look forward to shaping the future of quantum and securing Illinois’ global leadership.”
About the Hosts
P33 is a nonprofit working to transform Chicago into a tier-1 tech hub by unlocking economic opportunities through science, innovation, and inclusive growth. Learn more at p33chicago.com.
Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan organization fostering public engagement with global issues through events, public opinion research, and civic leadership programs. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.
Intersect Illinois is the state’s business attraction arm, promoting Illinois as a destination for investment and job creation. Learn more at intersectillinois.org.
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