Tennessee Makes It Quantum Play
The upcoming educational series is an extension of the state’s quantum commercialization world and what the real-world economic impact of the technology will be.
Quantum computing is still largely a research lab phenomenon. But not in Tennessee.
CO.LAB, the Chattanooga-based nonprofit startup accelerator focused on energy, mobility, and quantum technology, is launching a statewide educational initiative called the Quantum Activation Series, a three-part program designed not to showcase business creation opportunities around quantum right now.
“This is not a ‘what is quantum?’ introduction,” said CO.LAB CEO Tasia Malakasis (in featured photo). The series is aimed at researchers, students, industry players, investors, and startups interested in learning about the IP (intellectual property) currently available around the technology and what opportunities there are for talent in the state.
Why Tennessee, Why Now
Chattanooga has already built something the vast majority of US cities don’t have: real quantum infrastructure.
What makes quantum interesting right now? Beyond the buzzword, the technology promises faster processing times that could improve pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
“Quantum technology is advancing quickly, and regions that organize early will define the next decade of innovation,” Malakasis said in a press release. “Tennessee has a rare window to lead the Southeast,” adding that the state has the unique ecosystem and infrastructure needed for our quantum future.
In Chattanooga, local utility and internet provider EPB built what became the first commercially available quantum network in the country in 2022. Unlike most quantum networks, which exist only in research or university settings, EPB’s network is operational and accessible. Last year, EPB also announced the purchase of a quantum computer from IonQ, adding commercially available quantum computing power directly to the region.
What the Series Looks Like
The upcoming educational series is an extension of the state’s quantum commercialization world and what the real-world economic impact of the technology will be.
The first event is set for March 12 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Wolford Center. It’s hosted in partnership with UTC’s Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
IonQ is the lead sponsor, alongside other partners including the Chattanooga Quantum Collective, EPB, UTC, Tennessee Tech University, Launch Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee State University.
A second event is scheduled for April 10 at Middle Tennessee State University, with a third event to be announced.
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