CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 22, 2026) — The EPB Board of Directors today 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 economic opportunity. 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.

“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.

“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.”

See below for additional quotes from local and federal elected leaders. 

Growing workforce, innovation and research commercialization opportunities

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. 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.

Building on a long-standing collaboration to advance innovation

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.

Support from elected officials:

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly:

“Chattanooga has built a global reputation as a city that embraces innovation to drive economic growth, and this investment in the quantum ecosystem builds on that foundation. By strengthening the longstanding partnership between two of our city’s great institutions, EPB and UTC, we will create new opportunities for our residents to access high-quality jobs in a rapidly emerging sector.”

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp:

“EPB is proving once again that the future can be built right here in Hamilton County. By expanding hands-on learning and research opportunities in quantum technology, UTC and EPB are creating new opportunities for students, growing our talent pipeline and reinforcing our community’s role as a national leader in innovation.”

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN03):

"UTC continues to demonstrate why they are leaders at the forefront of advanced technology in the United States. Their collaboration with EPB reinforces our region’s role in shaping the future of quantum innovation while contributing to America’s leadership in this critical field.”

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.):

“Advancing quantum technology is essential to strengthening our nation’s security and protecting America’s strategic interests. The work taking place in Chattanooga through EPB and UTC is helping build the expertise and infrastructure that contribute to a stronger, more secure future for our country.”

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.):

“Quantum technology is a pivotal component to keep America at the cutting edge of innovation and tech development. It is also critical to America’s national security. This partnership is a powerful example of Tennessee’s leadership that puts our state at the forefront of technology development.”

State Senator Bo Watson (R-North Chattanooga):

“UTC continues to demonstrate why it is one of Tennessee’s strongest institutions for preparing students to graduate ready for meaningful careers. This partnership with EPB strengthens opportunities for students in Chattanooga to step into high-quality jobs in a growing field.”

State Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga):

“Investing in UTC is an investment in student success and in the future workforce of our region. By expanding access to cutting-edge learning in quantum technology, this effort helps more students graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to contribute to Tennessee’s economy.”

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℠ 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.

Learn more at epb.com and EPBQuantum.com.

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