Illinois Wesleyan University on Thursday announced a new interdisciplinary program focused on quantum science that it says will be the first of its kind in the U.S.
IWU officials said the Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science and Engineering is unique. Most quantum programs are only offered at the graduate level and with only one area of study. IWU's program is for undergraduates, and it weaves together diverse disciplines such as physics, business, philosophy and engineering into "one holistic curriculum," according to the university.
It will be housed in IWU's new Petrick Idea Center, which is set to open on Sept. 2, said IWU President Sheahon Zenger. The first quantum classes will be available in spring 2027. A $3.5 million gift from Ann and Alan Fisher helped IWU establish the center and launch programming.
Ann Fisher graduated from IWU in 1982 and is secretary of the IWU Board of Trustees. Alan is working on a financial technology startup, was co-founder of two technology companies in the 1990s, and has more than 200 startup investments.
“Illinois Wesleyan is reshaping how universities approach the field of quantum science and engineering to better build the talent pipeline for the emerging quantum economy,” said Zenger. “Quantum has the potential to transform industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity to healthcare, finance, logistics, energy and agriculture.”
Students in the program will not only begin learning quantum science as undergraduates, but will also do so early in their time at IWU.
“Right from their first year, we'll create a program so that people who may have never thought about quantum can, in fact, join the revolution,” said Narendra Jaggi, physics department professor and chair.
Jaggi explained that in under four years, IWU has put together a new concentration in quantum science and technology, and another in photonics, which is the study of light. IWU’s photonics program will be rebranded as quantum optics.
“Together, these two concentrations capture the essence of our educational philosophy,” said Jaggi. “It says our students will not have to choose between breadth and depth.”
Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at the smallest scale, where the differences can be used to create new, more powerful technologies. And IWU is not the only institution making a push toward quantum. Millions in public dollars have been invested into a state-backed quantum computing park in Chicago, which state officials see as a transformative hub for quantum tech-related businesses, researchers and government programs. The first phase of the park is set to open in 2027.
Students will be able to engage with quantum science through individual courses, certificates, concentrations, hands-on experiments, projects, research and internships.
The Fisher Quantum Center will also begin outreach initiatives for high school teachers and students. Beginning in summer 2026, IWU will host a Quantum Day Camp for STEM teachers and counselors from surrounding counties, and a residential Quantum Camp for high school students is anticipated for summer 2027.
“The breakthroughs happening today will shape the global economy for decades to come, and with institutions like the Fisher Quantum Center, Illinois is uniquely positioned to lead that future,” said Gov. JB Pritzker, who delivered a prerecorded statement during Thursday's event. “Our world-class universities like Illinois Wesleyan and our quantum research facilities, national laboratories and private sector partners have made our state the fastest growing hub for quantum innovation.”
