In a groundbreaking move set to position Chattanooga at the forefront of quantum technology, IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in commercial quantum computing, has announced a $22 million partnership with EPB, the city’s municipal utility. This collaboration will establish the EPB Quantum Center, making Chattanooga the first U.S. city to offer integrated quantum computing and networking capabilities.
The EPB Quantum Center will house IonQ’s state-of-the-art Forte Enterprise quantum computer, designed for data center environments with a low energy profile and minimal environmental isolation requirements. This system boasts an algorithmic qubit count of #AQ36, enabling it to tackle complex, real-world commercial applications. Additionally, the center will incorporate the existing EPB Quantum Network, powered by Qubitekk, which provides a secure quantum networking infrastructure.
Niccolo de Masi, President and CEO of IonQ, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative:
“This partnership represents more than just a technological milestone; it’s a pivotal step in building a quantum economy and IonQ ecosystem in Tennessee. By delivering our Forte Enterprise-class quantum capabilities to Chattanooga, we’re expanding our quantum access to customers across the state and working together to drive long-term economic growth for Chattanooga.”
EPB’s CEO, David Wade, highlighted the community-focused mission of the project:
“By establishing Chattanooga as the first U.S. hub for quantum computing and networking, we stand ready to work with companies and researchers across the nation to accelerate the development of real-world applications for quantum technology. Our mission-driven effort to enhance quality of life for our community by playing a catalytic role in the development of new quantum technologies aligns with the national priority of developing quantum technologies for security, business optimization, and global competitiveness.”
As part of the agreement, IonQ will establish an office in Chattanooga to provide quantum computing, networking, and application development support and training. This initiative aims to foster a quantum-ready workforce through specialized training opportunities, contributing to Tennessee’s emergence as a significant U.S. quantum economy. The partnership also builds upon IonQ’s existing collaborations with local institutions, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The EPB Quantum Network, developed in collaboration with Qubitekk, has been recognized as the nation’s first commercially available quantum network. This infrastructure provides a secure platform for quantum communication and has been instrumental in advancing research and development in quantum technologies.
The establishment of the EPB Quantum Center is expected to catalyze significant economic growth in the region. The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a quantum technology ecosystem in the area, has set ambitious goals, including generating $5 billion in economic benefits and training a quantum-ready workforce of 5,000 individuals over the next decade. With this partnership, Chattanooga solidifies its position as a leader in quantum innovation, offering unprecedented opportunities for research, development, and commercialization in quantum computing and networking.
