The EPB Board of Directors recently approved a resolution to provide new support to expand academic and research leadership at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and to create new pathways for quantum research commercialization.
"The partnership will strengthen Chattanooga’s growing quantum ecosystem by expanding workforce development, advancing applied quantum research, and accelerating efforts to translate emerging quantum technologies into real-world economi opportunity," EPB, a Tennessee public power utilitym said.
The resolution builds upon EPB’s long-standing collaboration with UTC by expanding the access of its students and researchers to EPB Quantum Center℠, the nation’s first facility to offer commercial access to both quantum computing and quantum networking, it noted.
“Through this partnership, we are enhancing Chattanooga’s ability to prepare people in our region for the jobs of the future,” said UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Mann Bruce. “By expanding access to education and research opportunities in quantum technology, we are building a workforce that can support long-term economic growth and innovation in Chattanooga and beyond.”
Together, these efforts further solidify Chattanooga's position as both a growing quantum hub and a leader in developing a quantum-ready workforce and innovation economy, EPB said.
“UTC has been a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s leadership in the quantum space,” said EPB Board Chair Vicky Gregg. “EPB’s expanded partnership with UTC will grow Chattanooga’s quantum-ready workforce while fueling research efforts to realize the real-world benefits of this paradigm-shifting technology.”
According to the McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2026, quantum computing alone could create up to $2.7 trillion of economic value by 2035 through the commercialization of new use cases.
"EPB’s support is a key step in advancing Chattanooga’s quantum ecosystem, helping accelerate the development of talent and attract new investment to the region," EPB said.
According to UTC Center for Economic Research Fellow Dr. Bento Lobo, EPB’s quantum assets are projected to generate up to $1.1 billion in community benefit in Chattanooga over the next 10 years.
The partnership will expand UTC quantum programs, which serve learners at every stage, including K-12 students, undergraduate and graduate students as well as working professionals seeking new skills.
EPB and UTC have also worked together to provide public education opportunities that help the community understand and access developments in quantum technology.
UTC plans to use funding to bolster Chattanooga’s quantum ecosystem through workforce development, applied research, and exploring pathways to commercialization to support local economic opportunity and help bring innovations out of the lab and into the real world:
- Strengthen quantum workforce pipeline by adding roughly 135-240 faculty, staff and students to UTC’s campus related to quantum initiatives and education over the next five years.
- Expand research programs in quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, quantum networking, and quantum sensing.
- Advance industry-aligned research and commercialization efforts supporting applications to enhance energy systems and grid resilience, cybersecurity, infrastructure, transportation and mobility systems.
UTC was among the first institutions to utilize EPB Quantum Network® and also became the first American university to connect to a commercially available quantum network in 2023 through a node on EPB Quantum Network.
Through a separate agreement, EPB provides UTC with access to EPB Quantum Network equipment and technical support.
"As part of EPB’s mission to enhance quality of life, EPB has been a longtime supporter of UTC. EPB also provides support for academic programs across the university, including internships and fellowships, research, and athletic programs," the utility noted.
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.
EPB also launched EPB Quantum℠ 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℠ (coming in 2026), EPB Quantum offers the most comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform in the U.S.," the utility said.
