Key Takeaways
- Ability Engineering Technology (AET) has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) as a corporate partner to support quantum infrastructure development, manufacturing scale-up, and workforce training.
- AET designs and manufactures cryogenic and vacuum systems essential for quantum hardware development and scaling.
- The partnership aims to strengthen the region’s quantum engineering and manufacturing supply chain.
- AET will collaborate with CQE members and partners to solve engineering bottlenecks associated with scaling quantum technology manufacturing and contribute to workforce development efforts.
- The partnership will also support the development of next-generation quantum infrastructure and contribute to the growth of the Midwest quantum economy.
Introduction to Ability Engineering Technology
Ability Engineering Technology (AET) has recently joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) as a corporate partner, marking a significant milestone in the development of the quantum technology sector. AET is an Illinois-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-precision cryogenic and vacuum equipment, which is crucial for the development of quantum information technologies. With a history dating back to 1947, AET has established itself as a leading engineering partner and supplier of specialized equipment for the quantum technology sector. The company’s expertise in designing and fabricating custom cryostats, vacuum chambers, and pressure vessels has made it an essential player in the development of quantum hardware.
The Importance of Cryogenic and Vacuum Systems
The specialized systems designed and manufactured by AET are essential for the hardware that makes quantum information technology work. Quantum systems require ultra-cool, stable environments to operate effectively, and AET’s equipment provides these extreme environments. The company’s cryogenic and vacuum systems are used in a variety of scientific and industrial fields, including quantum computing, materials science, and condensed matter physics. By providing these critical systems, AET plays a vital role in the development of quantum technologies and the advancement of scientific research in these fields.
Partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange
As a CQE partner, AET will collaborate with researchers and industry partners developing next-generation quantum infrastructure. The company will contribute its specialized manufacturing capabilities to the region’s growing quantum ecosystem and work with CQE members and partners to solve the engineering bottlenecks associated with scaling quantum technology manufacturing. AET will also contribute to workforce development efforts, providing training and on-site technical expertise to support the growth of the quantum workforce. The partnership between AET and CQE is expected to strengthen the region’s quantum engineering and manufacturing supply chain, driving innovation and economic growth in the Midwest.
The Chicago Quantum Exchange Ecosystem
The CQE is a hub for quantum innovation, connecting organizations that need local cryogenic expertise with companies like AET. The CQE is based at the University of Chicago and anchored by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. The CQE includes nearly 70 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners, making it a vibrant ecosystem for quantum research and development. By joining the CQE, AET is becoming part of a larger community that is driving the development of quantum technologies and advancing the field of quantum information science.
Workforce Development and Training
AET’s partnership with CQE will also focus on workforce development and training. The company will provide training and on-site technical expertise to support the growth of the quantum workforce. This is critical for the development of quantum technologies, as it requires a skilled workforce with expertise in quantum engineering, materials science, and computer science. By contributing to workforce development efforts, AET is helping to ensure that the region has the talent and expertise needed to drive innovation and economic growth in the quantum sector.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The partnership between AET and CQE is a significant step forward for the development of quantum technologies in the Midwest. By combining AET’s expertise in cryogenic and vacuum systems with the CQE’s ecosystem of researchers, industry partners, and institutions, the partnership is expected to drive innovation and economic growth in the region. As the quantum technology sector continues to evolve, the partnership between AET and CQE will play a critical role in advancing the field and supporting the development of next-generation quantum infrastructure. With its rich history, technical expertise, and commitment to workforce development, AET is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the growth of the Midwest quantum economy.


