DPI is proud to serve as an on-ramp site for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. The on-ramp program is a strategic initiative designed to allow future tenants to begin operations while the permanent 128-acre South Side Chicago facility is under construction. It also gives them an early introduction to the Chicago quantum ecosystem.
We’ll be highlighting the three organizations hosted at DPI, beginning with Pasqal. Michelle Lampa, Pasqal’s head of sales and operations, sat down to talk about quantum technology, the Chicago ecosystem and more.
How and why did you become a partner with the National Quantum Algorithm Center?
Pasqal’s approach to quantum computing is strongly ecosystem-driven. Collaborating with organizations such as the National Quantum Algorithm Center allows us to share best practices, contribute to the development of practical quantum applications, and work alongside industry and academic partners to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing.
What problem in the world are you hoping quantum technology will help solve?
Quantum computing has the potential to address some of the most complex computational challenges that remain difficult for classical computing. These include areas such as drug discovery, materials science, finance, machine learning, and large-scale optimization. At Pasqal, we focus on developing quantum solutions that can deliver practical value in these domains while continuing to explore future applications.
What makes the Chicago ecosystem different from other quantum hubs around the world?
Chicago is home to a dynamic and growing quantum ecosystem bringing together universities, startups, national laboratories, and industry players. This collaborative environment helps foster innovation and supports the development of practical quantum applications, which aligns well with Pasqal’s ecosystem-driven approach.
If quantum innovation is a team sport, what role does your company play on the field?
Quantum innovation is highly collaborative by nature. At Pasqal, we see our role as both a technology builder and an ecosystem partner. We focus on advancing neutral-atom quantum computing while working closely with hardware, software, cloud, and research partners to help move the industry toward practical quantum advantage.
What excites you most about working alongside other quantum companies, researchers, and startups here?
What is most exciting is the pace of progress across the quantum ecosystem. Seeing advances from research groups, startups, and industry leaders reinforces how quickly the field is evolving and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what quantum computing can achieve through collaboration.
How does working from DPI shape your early work here?
Being part of an environment like DPI helps foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the quantum ecosystem. Working alongside organizations that share similar ambitions helps accelerate innovation and supports the development of meaningful quantum applications.
What part of your work tends to surprise people when they first learn about it?
What often surprises people is that quantum computing is already moving beyond research labs into real-world environments. Pasqal has deployed quantum processors in high-performance computing environments and is working on more than 25 commercial use cases across industries. This demonstrates that quantum computing is already beginning to deliver practical value while the technology continues to mature.