Insider Brief
- The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and Japan’s Q-STAR have signed an MOU to strengthen collaboration between quantum companies, researchers, and institutions in Illinois and Japan.
- The partnership will support joint research, technology development, investment connections, and supply chain opportunities for quantum startups and organizations in both regions.
- The agreement expands ongoing Illinois-Japan cooperation focused on advancing quantum technology commercialization and industry development.
Press release – Today, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and the Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) announced a new partnership to strengthen collaboration between Japanese companies and Illinois’ quantum ecosystem. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two organizations builds on Illinois and Japan’s longstanding commitment to advancing the commercialization of quantum technology.
Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP, and Hirofumi Mori, Chair of the Global Consortium Alliances Working Group at Q-STAR, signed the MOU today at the Global Quantum Forum in Chicago.
“The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a place where the world’s quantum companies can build, grow, and develop the technology that has the potential to unlock solutions to the world’s most complex problems. This new partnership with Q-STAR is an important step towards that vision,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. “We’re proud to open the door for Japan’s leading companies to plug into our thriving ecosystem and to advance the longstanding collaboration between the state and Japan.”
Under the MOU, IQMP and Q-STAR will facilitate access to funding, networks, and investment resources for quantum startups and small and medium enterprises in both countries, while identifying opportunities for joint research, technology co-development, and industrial supply chain growth. The partnership will also connect Japanese and Illinois-based companies, universities, and research institutions to pursue joint projects and business development opportunities.
“Quantum technology is entering a new phase where global collaboration is essential to accelerate commercialization and create real-world impact,” said Taro Shimada, Chair of Q-STAR. “Through this partnership with IQMP, we look forward to strengthening connections between Japan’s and Illinois’ quantum ecosystems and creating new opportunities for companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs on both sides. Together, we will help advance innovation, foster business development, and contribute to the growth of the global quantum industry.”
Founded in 2021 by 24 Japanese companies to create new opportunities in quantum technology, Q-STAR has grown to more than 160 member companies, including large corporations such as Toshiba, NEC, NTT, and Hitachi, as well as early-stage and scaling start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and academic institutions. Q-STAR’s mission is to build a society where quantum technology benefits everyone by promoting the globalization of quantum, supporting business opportunity creation, and widely disseminating relevant information.
“By bridging the gap between Illinois and Japan’s dynamic quantum ecosystems, we’re advancing the kind of cross-border collaboration this technology demands—and making sure the breakthroughs of the quantum era are built on a foundation of shared expertise, talent, and trust,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois EDC was proud to have played a central role in facilitating this agreement and looks forward to the discoveries and opportunities this partnership will unlock for both regions.”
Illinois and Japan have built a longstanding collaboration centered on quantum technology. In March 2026, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) organized a delegation to Tokyo, which included representatives from the IQMP, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (ILEDC), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), IQMP anchor tenant PsiQuantum, and others. In June 2025, a Japanese delegation came to Chicago to meet with DCEO, IQMP, ILEDC and others regarding the latest innovations in quantum computing. Governor Pritzker led a similarly-focused delegation trip to Japan back in October 2024.
The IQMP, which broke ground in Fall 2025, is a 128-acre development that provides infrastructure and resources to support the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, hardware, software, and applications.
