Argonne's Aaron Fluitt becomes chief executive of the Chicago Quantum Exchange

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The Chicago Quantum Exchange has a new leader. Quantum Zeitgeist reports that Aaron Fluitt, from Argonne National Laboratory's Q-NEXT centre, will succeed Kate Timmerman as chief executive of the CQE

Fluitt helped launch Q-NEXT in 2020 and helped secure $115 million for it. Q-NEXT is one of five Department of Energy quantum research centres, bringing together 23 institutions and more than 80 principal investigators

He holds a PhD in molecular engineering from the University of Chicago and has held strategy roles at PsiQuantum and BCG. He founded Argonne's Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center in 2022 and was named in Crain's 40 Under 40 list for 2026

The CQE has more than 70 members. Founding director David Awschalom called Fluitt a mobiliser, deep thinker and recognised leader, and Elizabeth Goldschmidt of the University of Illinois also praised the appointment. Plans include new research programmes, education and commercialisation across the Midwest, and the article is based on a University of Chicago press release

Chicago has built one of the strongest quantum ecosystems in the US, with national labs, universities and companies working together. Fluitt's mix of research, industry and lab experience suits a role that connects all of them. The Midwest's quantum ambitions look in good hands

Is Chicago becoming the leading US quantum hub? And what makes a good leader for a research consortium?

Argonne's Q-NEXT Leader Joins Chicago Quantum Exchange As CEOquantumzeitgeist.com