Illinois is one of a handful of emerging quantum hubs, competing with regions like Silicon Valley and Boston. Chalsani told Chicago that the state is well-positioned to lead in the quantum race, citing the presence of institutions such as the University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
“The number of STEM graduates we produce here is the third most in the country,” she said. “Microsoft hires more people from University of Illinois than any other school. I love stats like that.”
Chalsani acknowledged the challenge of retaining this talent, much of which traditionally leaves the area.
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