Chattanooga – September 20, 2026 -- EPB has launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at its EPB Quantum Center, creating what the utility calls America's first commercial hub combining quantum computing and networking under one roof.
EPB Quantum Fellows will run grid-optimization algorithms first
Eight graduate researchers under a $4 million NIST-funded EPB Quantum Computing Fellows program will be the initial users, applying quantum algorithms to optimize local power grid circuits. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will be the first external customer starting in early October when EPB Quantum Computing opens for business, followed by a project with Vanderbilt University.
IonQ commits $15 million to build Tennessee research center
IonQ is investing $15 million to establish the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center in Chattanooga, creating approximately two dozen jobs for quantum scientists and researchers. IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi said the Forte Enterprise system complements EPB's quantum networking capabilities to support commercialization for clients.
Universities plan to add hundreds of quantum researchers and staff
UTC, which connected to a commercial quantum network in 2023, plans to add 135 to 240 faculty, staff and students to its quantum programs. Vanderbilt University is partnering with EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation, anchoring a Chattanooga quantum innovation campus with approximately 250 researchers, faculty and staff.
EPB, IonQ, Oak Ridge and NVIDIA deploy hybrid supercomputer
EPB, IonQ, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NVIDIA have installed a classical supercomputer within the EPB Quantum Center to run a hybrid computing project combining quantum and high-performance classical computing, aimed at optimizing EPB's automated electric grid and evaluating future energy-system applications.
Chattanooga projects $1.1 billion in economic gains over a decade
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said EPB's quantum initiatives are projected to generate up to $1.1 billion in economic gains for the city over the next decade. EPB is hosting the Quantum in Business (QiB) conference on October 1, drawing more than 400 business leaders, researchers and policymakers to discuss a projected $2.7 trillion in near-term economic value from quantum computing, with focus on insurance, logistics, automotive, manufacturing, financial, healthcare and chemicals industries.
Hamilton County builds K-12 quantum talent pipeline
EPB and Hamilton County Schools announced the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, expected to serve approximately 400 high school students annually starting in 2028. Hamilton County Schools was also selected to pilot TN QuantumWorks, a statewide K-12 quantum education initiative from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.