Quantum Corridor, which was formed in 2021 as a public-private partnership with the state, successfully tested its fiber-optic network on Oct. 24.
The test was made between the Chicago ORD 10 Data Center and the Digital Crossroads data center in Hammond two months ahead of schedule. Officials say speeds are almost instantaneous.
“This technology opens West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Bloomington and all Indiana-based military installations to the fiber backbone in Chicago with complete security,” said Ryan Lafler, chief technology officer of Quantum Corridor, in a press release. “The nearly instantaneous computing and communications capabilities will position Indiana and the Chicago region as one of the most quantum-capable regions in the world and will draw additional research funding.”
The 12-mile network is expected to have connectivity speeds 1,000 times faster than traditional networks. It has the capacity to transmit 1 million photo files or 1,500 HD videos very second.
“There are applications we can’t even fathom yet in quantum research and development, life sciences, quantum computing, quantum networking and quantum commercialization,” said Thomas Dakich, chief executive officer of Quantum Corridor. “We are already fielding questions from space exploration ventures, AI entrepreneurs and e-commerce hyperscalers who are eager to use our network to support their work.”
Quantum Corridor received a $4 million grant from the state of Indiana’s READI grant program and also received the cooperation of the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Northwest Indiana Forum.
“Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott, Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Tom Keon and Associate Vice Chancellor Matt Wells have been important advocates from the start,” Dakich said.
With the funding partnerships, Quantum Corridor plans to use 263 miles of new and existing fiber-optic cable beneath the Indiana Toll Road.
“Because of this use of the READI grant, all of Indiana, including each of our universities, military installations, life science initiatives and technology sectors, may have a competitive advantage,” said Heather Ennis, president and CEO, Northwest Indiana Forum. “The commercialization of quantum research is required for each of these industries and, because of Gov. Holcomb’s leadership and the commitment of the Indiana legislature in the creation and funding of the READI grant program, Indiana will now have a seat at the table for major national quantum commercialization possibilities.”
Quantum Corridor is a member of the Bloch Tech Hub, a 2023 Tech Hubs designee by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Tech Hubs program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which he signed into law in August 2022.
