Alchemist Chicago has announced its inaugural cohort, which includes eight quantum startups as part of Duality, the nation’s first quantum startup accelerator.
Duality in July announced that it is now a part of Alchemist Chicago, a new deep tech accelerator built to take scientific breakthroughs from lab to market. The program is the result of a partnership between Alchemist Accelerator, one of the world’s leading enterprise-focused startup accelerators, and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“I am excited to see eight quantum algorithm and quantum adjacent companies in the final 27 startups that were accepted into Alchemist Chicago,” said Shyama Majumdar, senior director, science accelerators and investments, Polsky Center. “That’s 30% of the total companies, and is a reflection of the increasing interest in Duality, and speaks volumes about the quantum startup accelerator brand we have created.”
Alchemist Chicago combines the strengths of Alchemist’s global network and track record of launching category-defining B2B startups with the University of Chicago’s world-class research, national lab affiliations, and commercialization expertise.
“Alchemist Chicago represents a defining moment for the region’s innovation landscape, ” said Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “Our partnership with Alchemist and additional recent collaborations and investments have created the ideal environment for startups to thrive here in the Midwest, and we can’t wait to see what this inaugural cohort will achieve.”
Meet the quantum startups:
- AnharmoniQ // AnharmoniQ is building the critical hardware backbone for large-scale quantum computing.
- Florence Quantum Labs // Florence Quantum Labs unites the field of quantum biology and quantum information science for breakthroughs in bioagriculture, drug discovery, bioremediation, and biomaterials.
- K1 Semiconductor // K1 Semiconductor is a deep-tech company pioneering a semiconductor wafer-splitting platform technology that enhances the efficiency and economics of advanced chip manufacturing.
- QodeX Quantum // QodeX Quantum is developing a user-friendly quantum circuit model—built on naval research—that replicates transformer neural networks to help customers solve complex problems and train QML models without quantum or AI expertise.
- Qoro Quantum // Qoro Quantum develops the network stack for scalable, distributed quantum computing. With software that automates how quantum programs are prepared, optimized, and executed across heterogeneous hardware — from CPUs and GPUs to quantum processors — making it easy for researchers and enterprises to run quantum workloads efficiently at scale.
- Quantum Research Sciences // Quantum Research Sciences designs, develops, and delivers quantum software.
- quasi ai // Quasi ai is radically accelerating CFD simulations by combining the power of Quantum Computing with Machine Learning, specifically leveraging physics-based AI models.
- SQK Inc. // SQK Inc. is a US–Canada–Korea deep-tech startup developing quantum–AI hybrid computing solutions for precision medical imaging and related applications.
“I’m thrilled about the quality and potential of the inaugural cohort of Alchemist Chicago. In today’s noisy world, it’s inspiring to see distinctive deep-tech founders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—building science-driven solutions to real, persistent problems,” said Ian Bergman, partner and managing director, Alchemist.
As part of this bold new initiative to support the next generation of quantum computing innovators, IBM and the Polsky Center have also introduced a dedicated quantum software track within their accelerator program. Five of Duality’s startups—QodeX Quantum, Qoro Quantum, Quantum Research Sciences, quasi ai, and SQK Inc.—have been selected to receive support from IBM through this specialized track.
Building on the Polsky Center and IBM’s July announcement of their strategic collaboration, IBM is deepening its commitment to the quantum startup ecosystem by offering expanded resources and expert mentorship. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development of quantum algorithms for real-world applications, bringing the promise of quantum computing closer to commercial viability.
In addition to the core programming and mentorship provided by the accelerator, IBM will offer these startups exclusive access to its cutting-edge quantum computing platforms, technical workshops, and dedicated time with IBM researchers and business leaders. This tailored support aims to empower founders to push the boundaries of quantum software innovation and drive breakthroughs across industries.
“IBM congratulates the startups selected for the first cohort of Duality’s quantum software track. This step reinforces our commitment with the Polsky Center to strengthen the rapidly growing quantum ecosystem in Illinois and beyond,” said Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Venture Capital at IBM. “With cloud access to IBM quantum systems and support from our world-class experts, these startups will have the resources to help accelerate quantum software development—a key element to the technology’s future. We look forward to following their progress and supporting them in this next phase of the program.”
Duality has supported more than 25 startups, helped raise over $50 million in follow-on funding, and developed a growing network of corporate, academic, and investor partners since it launched in 2021.