WHAT IS THREAD
A lab that exists in the neighborhood, not a building.
THREAD (Terrestrial Hybrid Research, Edge and Distribution) bridges the gap between cutting-edge technological research and real-world community infrastructure.
Most broadband research happens in controlled lab environments. THREAD puts it in the real world, embedding live network nodes inside civic sites across Chicago's South Side.
That means the research reflects actual conditions, not simulations. And it means the people doing the research are community members, not just credentialed researchers from elsewhere.
WHAT IT DOES
Three things happening at once.
THREAD isn't one program. It's research, workforce training, and community infrastructure all running on the same nodes.
The SC26 Milestone
SC26: Our First Full-Scale Deployment
01
​The Supercomputing Conference of 2026 (SC26) marks the first full-scale launch of the THREAD model, deploying 5 to 10 live research nodes across Chicago.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Strategic placements in community centers, community colleges, and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) across the city and suburbs.
THE GOAL
By November 2026, researchers will have access to a live, validated metro fiber path and active metropolitan-scale datasets.
Community & Workforce
Equipping Communities for the Future
02
THREAD bridges the tech resource gap by bringing advanced training directly into economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Through partnerships like N'Spire, we train the next generation of tech leaders.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Programs in network operations, cybersecurity, supercomputing, and quantum computing.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Local students and groups will build, deploy, and monitor servers, operating just like major research institutes.
CLOSING THE GAP
Integrating local communities into the future of IT development and global research conversations.
The Future Blueprint
A Repeatable National Model
03
Chicago is just the beginning. The ultimate goal of THREAD is to create a documented, "node-in-a-box" deployment blueprint and operational playbook. Once validated, this model can be adopted by host cities nationwide, creating a country-wide network of community-based supercomputing nodes.
GET INVOLVED
THREAD needs partners, not just participants.
If you're a city agency, college, funder, or researcher, there's a meaningful role here.
Host a Node
Civic sites, schools, and housing authorities can apply to host a THREAD node for the SC26 deployment.
Partner as a College
Community colleges can integrate THREAD directly into existing IT, networking, or computer science programs.
Fund the Infrastructure
Support hardware, installation, and student stipends to help get nodes into the ground.
Collaborate on Research
Academic and industry researchers can access the network to study real-world broadband performance.
Get Program Updates
New training cohorts, events, and research — sent when it's relevant.
Digital access, workforce training, and community connectivity, South Side Chicago since 2014.
GET INVOLVED
© 2026 QUILT NFP. All rights reserved. | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit