Milestone makes EPB Quantum Center ^SM America’s first commercial quantum computing and networking hub

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EPB today launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at EPB Quantum Center℠, 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 Computing^SM 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 Quantum℠ 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.”

About EPB
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, EPB is a nationally recognized energy and communications provider with a mission to enhance quality of life for the people it serves across its 600-square-mile service area. Starting in 2010, EPB gained notice as a national model for building and utilizing its 100% fiber-to-the-home network to deliver cutting-edge services such as the world’s fastest community-wide internet, now with service up to 25 Gig, and the nation’s most advanced automated electric grid.

As a pioneer in fiber optic innovation, EPB also launched EPB Quantum^SM to provide access to cutting-edge quantum technology platforms and help innovators bring paradigm-shifting solutions into the real world. With the launch of EPB Quantum Network® in 2023 and EPB Quantum Computing^SM, EPB Quantum offers the most comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform in the U.S. Learn more at epb.com and EPBQuantum.com.

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SOURCE EPB