Insider Brief
- EPB has launched an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at the EPB Quantum Center in Chattanooga, combining commercial quantum computing and networking at one facility.
- EPB Quantum Computing Fellows will be the system’s first users, followed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga when the service opens commercially in early October.
- EPB, IonQ and university and research partners are using the facility to support quantum research, hybrid quantum-classical computing, workforce development and commercial applications.
PRESS RELEASE — EPB today launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at EPB Quantum Center SM , bringing commercial quantum computing and networking together in one facility for the first time. The milestone further positions Chattanooga as the most comprehensive resource in the U.S. for commercializing real-world quantum solutions. Companies can develop, test and deploy quantum technologies here with access to advanced quantum infrastructure and a growing network of development partners, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Vanderbilt University.
“Today’s launch represents another major step in the growth of a quantum ecosystem found only in Chattanooga,” said Vicky Gregg, Chair of the EPB Board of Directors. “Just as EPB’s decision to launch the world’s first community-wide gig-speed internet shaped our community’s future back in 2010, this milestone carries forward our strategy of building advanced infrastructure that enhances the way we serve our customers while opening new economic opportunity for our community.”
“EPB and IonQ have built something unique. This Forte Enterprise system complements EPB’s quantum networking capabilities, laying the foundation for a full suite of applications for quantum communications and commercialization for their clients,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “Together, we’re creating a first-of-its-kind environment where organizations can explore quantum applications today and help shape the opportunities this technology will create tomorrow.”
Putting Local Customers and University Partners First
As part of EPB’s commitment to benefiting its customers, the EPB Quantum Computing Fellows will be the first to use the new quantum computer, so they can run the quantum algorithms they have been developing to further optimize local power grid circuits. Funded by a $4 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the initiative has brought eight graduate researchers with expertise ranging from quantum information science to physics and engineering from all over the U.S. to Chattanooga. The effort focuses on finding ways to further optimize the operation of EPB’s advanced, highly automated power grid to reduce costs and enhance resilience for the benefit of local customers.
Starting in early October, EPB Quantum ComputingSM will be open for business. UTC will be the first customer, beginning with research the university is already prepared to run. EPB is also working with Vanderbilt to line up its first project.
“Access to a quantum computer is rare and valuable,” said Janet Rehberg, CEO of EPB. “We’re starting with our own work to directly benefit our customers while also prioritizing the universities that are investing to expand quantum education, workforce development and research right here in Chattanooga.”
Other companies can find out more about EPB QuantumSM computing and networking resources at EPBQuantum.com.
Opening New Opportunities for Local Economic Growth
Driven by EPB’s mission of enhancing quality of life for the people it serves, Chattanooga’s quantum infrastructure is already drawing new investment, creating new jobs and supporting major expansions in university academics and research in the city. The investments announced in Chattanooga since EPB Quantum began installing the new quantum computer are projected to expand the local economy by adding hundreds of researchers, faculty, staff and students.
- IonQ is investing $15 million to establish the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center in Chattanooga, with plans to create approximately two dozen jobs, including quantum scientists and highly skilled researchers.
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which in 2023 became the first American university to connect to a commercial quantum network, is expanding its quantum programs with plans to add 135 to 240 faculty, staff and students.
- Vanderbilt University is partnering with EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation, which will anchor Vanderbilt’s Chattanooga quantum innovation campus with approximately 250 researchers, faculty and staff.
- Hybrid Computing Project: In tandem with the EPB Quantum Fellows project funded by NIST, EPB, IonQ , Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NVIDIA have installed a classical supercomputer within the EPB Quantum Center, and they are collaborating on a hybrid computing project that combines quantum and high-performance classical computing to optimize portions of EPB’s advanced automated electric grid and evaluate future applications for increasingly complex energy systems.
To further build on these gains, EPB is hosting the Quantum in Business (QiB) conference on October 1 with more than 400 business leaders, researchers and policymakers from across the U.S. gathering in Chattanooga to learn how companies can benefit from a projected $2.7 trillion in economic value by utilizing quantum computing in the near term while developing the expertise they need to lead their industries as quantum technology advances. The conference is especially targeted to business leaders in the insurance, logistics, automotive and manufacturing, financial, healthcare and chemicals industries, which are projected to gain tremendous value from quantum technology.
“Becoming the first U.S. hub to offer commercially available quantum computing and quantum networking under one roof is a milestone,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “Just as EPB’s fiber network made us a leader in the digital economy, EPB Quantum Center is attracting investment and talent by deploying a technology that is expected to shape industries and economies for decades to come. Over the next decade alone, EPB’s quantum initiatives are projected to generate up to $1.1 billion in economic gains for Chattanooga.”
How EPB Quantum Prepares Local People for the Quantum Jobs of the Future
Developing a quantum workforce begins long before students enter college. Through partnerships with local schools, universities and industry leaders, Chattanooga is building a talent pipeline that introduces students to quantum and advanced technology careers at every stage of their education. Combined with EPB’s unique commercial quantum infrastructure, these initiatives are helping prepare local people for opportunities emerging in the rapidly growing quantum industry while giving companies new reasons to invest, expand and create jobs in Hamilton County.
- Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center: EPB and Hamilton County Schools announced the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy, a new program expected to serve approximately 400 high school students annually beginning in 2028. The academy will provide hands-on experience in engineering, cybersecurity, energy systems, communications infrastructure and quantum science.
- TN QuantumWorks: The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently selected Hamilton County Schools to pilot a statewide K-12 quantum education initiative designed to introduce students to quantum concepts and build pathways into future quantum careers.
“Our goal is to make sure every person in Hamilton County has an opportunity to benefit from the investments being made in our community,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “With hundreds of high school students set to train through the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy at Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, we’re giving young people a chance to see themselves as part of the next generation of quantum innovation.”
Support for the Nation’s First Commercial Quantum Computing and Networking Hub:
Bob Corker, former U.S. Senator and Inaugural Chair of the Institute for Quantum Innovation:
“Chattanooga has a long track record of building infrastructure before the demand is obvious, and that instinct has paid off for this community again and again. There is a real difference between using a quantum computer in a lab and operating one in the real world. The students, businesses and researchers who spend time on this system will develop an understanding that creates jobs and opportunity for Chattanooga.”
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03):
“For decades, East Tennessee has led the way in scientific achievement, from the world-class work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to the outstanding programs at our local universities. Today, seeing that expertise lay the groundwork for commercial quantum infrastructure right here in Chattanooga is a tremendous point of pride for our district and a testament to American ingenuity and leadership.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn:
“Quantum has the potential to transform Tennesseans’ lives for the better, from speeding up the discovery of life-saving drugs to strengthening our electric grid. With the nation’s first commercial quantum computing and networking hub, Chattanooga is cementing Tennessee’s — and America’s — leadership in this vital technology.”
Senator Bill Hagerty:
“I hear from business leaders across Tennessee who want access to the technologies that will help them compete in a fast-changing global economy. This launch gives them a place to do that work, strengthening Tennessee’s position as a destination for companies exploring quantum applications in logistics, manufacturing, energy and more.”
Stuart McWhorter, Deputy Governor and Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development:
“Today’s announcement reflects the vision we have for Tennessee, bringing together leading companies, world-class infrastructure and strong partnerships to move emerging technologies from research to real-world impact. The states that will shape the next era of economic growth are those that can effectively connect innovation, industry and infrastructure, and Tennessee is making those connections today. With exceptional research institutions throughout our state, combined with the pioneering capabilities of EPB and IonQ , Tennessee has all the ingredients to establish itself as a national leader in quantum technology.”
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce, PhD:
“EPB has given our students and faculty something very few universities can offer, which is direct access to commercial quantum infrastructure as it comes online. We are grateful to EPB for making higher education part of the plan from the start. Our students will work with technology most researchers can only read about, and that experience will prepare them to compete for careers in a field that is still taking shape.”
Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier:
“The launch of this quantum computer is an important milestone for the Institute for Quantum Innovation and our partnership with EPB. It brings us closer to what we set out to build together, a place where researchers, students and industry can advance quantum science and turn new discoveries into new technologies, companies and jobs in Tennessee and beyond.”