Bringing Quantum-Centric Supercomputing To Illinois
IBM, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
IBM's Hanhee Paik developed IBM's first 16-qubit quantum computer and now leads IBM's quantum initiatives across greater Chicago. We spoke to her about the new IBM-University of Illinois agreement, the future of computing, and how her career path has mirrored quantum's remarkable rise.
Superconducting qubits take many forms. The one at the heart of IBM quantum processors, the transmon qubit, is there partly because of Hanhee Paik.
By figuring out how to improve the transmon qubit's coherence time, Paik showed the world that a superconducting quantum computer was possible. IBM now operates a fleet of quantum computers worldwide based on her transmon qubit design. Today it's Paik's job at IBM to help researchers find innovative ways to use them.