CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Oct. 1, 2026) — More than 450 business leaders, technology innovators, researchers and public officials gathered in Chattanooga today for the Quantum in Business conference presented by EPB Quantum^SM. The event highlighted Tennessee and Chattanooga's growing role in advancing quantum innovation while showcasing real-world applications already delivering value for companies. Attendees explored how quantum technologies are creating new ways to solve complex challenges across a range of industries.

Home to America’s first commercial quantum computing and networking hub, Chattanooga offers companies a unique place to gain business advantage by exploring how they can use a range of quantum technologies. Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that organizations are identifying practical use cases that can improve performance, strengthen security and create competitive advantage.

"Businesses across the country are considering how quantum technologies can help them solve complex challenges, strengthen security and stay competitive,” said EPB CEO Janet Rehberg. “Here in Chattanooga, businesses have access to commercial quantum infrastructure and can work with university and research partners to develop solutions, with support from state and local leaders and academic and community partnerships that are building a quantum-ready workforce.”

To help companies gain an advantage from quantum technologies, EPB Quantum and IonQ launched CQ Connect, an exclusive webinar series designed to give business leaders a step-by-step process for applying quantum computing and networking to persistent challenges. The series will offer practical insights, industry use cases and guidance on next steps for developing solutions with EPB, IonQ and university and research partners. Tracks are available for business leaders in Biotech & Healthcare, Insurance, Financial Services, Automotive & Manufacturing, Chemicals & Materials, and Logistics. Learn more at https://ionq.swoogo.com/cqconnect_webinarseries.

Anchored by a keynote by IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi, IonQ highlighted practical examples of how organizations are already using quantum technologies to solve business challenges.

• Research findings from Synopsys and IonQ demonstrated that quantum algorithms integrated into engineering software can accelerate complex industrial design by up to 14.6%. A hybrid workflow was tested across complex digital models, including an automobile and jet engine assembly. Across all models, the quantum-enhanced method yielded runtime improvements of at least 5.9%, peaking at a 14.6% reduction in total time for dynamic simulations.
• Numana successfully conducted testing with Nokia Canada, Crypto4A and evolutionQ using Canada's Kirq quantum-safe test bed. The successful trial provided a validated framework to help banks, hospitals, government agencies and other critical infrastructure operators strengthen cybersecurity without the cost and disruption of replacing entire networks.
• EPB Quantum Computing Fellows participated in a hybrid project with IonQ, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NVIDIA to use quantum computing and high-performance supercomputing to explore ways to further optimize sections of EPB’s energy grid to improve power reliability for customers.

Speakers throughout the day emphasized that businesses do not need in-house quantum experts to begin exploring applications for quantum technologies.

Building the University Research and Talent Pipeline

Conference participants also highlighted the critical role Tennessee's universities play in building the talent, research capabilities and collaborative partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the quantum sector.

• As the first American university with a node connected to a quantum network, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is helping position the region as a hub for workforce development, applied research and industry collaboration including new quantum certificate and degree programs as well as plans to add 135 to 240 faculty, staff and students focused on quantum.
• Vanderbilt University with EPB will launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation, which will anchor Vanderbilt's Chattanooga quantum innovation campus with approximately 250 researchers, faculty and staff.
• Tennessee Tech University and Middle Tennessee State University reinforced the importance of statewide collaboration among higher education institutions, industry and government partners.

To support these innovations, state government leaders are advancing quantum research, commercialization and workforce development through the Tennessee Quantum Initiative and the recently announced Qubits grant program.

"Quantum is creating new opportunities for businesses, universities, researchers and communities," Rehberg said. "Businesses don't have to wait on the sidelines. They can start exploring how these technologies can address their challenges now."

For more information about EPB Quantum and opportunities to engage through CQ Connect, visit epbquantum.com.

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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