Vanderbilt University and EPB Launch Institute for Quantum Innovation in Tennessee

Vanderbilt University and EPB of Chattanooga have launched the Institute for Quantum Innovation, aiming to position Tennessee as a national hub for quantum science and technology. The Institute will combine Vanderbilt's quantum nanophotonics research with access to the EPB Quantum Center, which features the nation's first commercial trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network.

The collaboration, pending accrediting agency approval, will establish an academic research and innovation campus in Chattanooga, focusing initially on quantum communication and sensing to enhance secure energy networks.

The initiative is expected to create significant local job opportunities and contribute about one billion dollars in value to the community between 2026 and 2035. Additionally, the Institute will offer graduate-level programs, providing students with practical experience in quantum technologies, AI, and cybersecurity, addressing the rising demand for expertise in these fields.

This partnership has garnered support from local and federal officials, highlighting its importance for U.S. technological competitiveness and the security of the nation's grid and communications infrastructure.

According to the report from Quantum Computing Report, the Institute aims to accelerate breakthroughs across sectors including energy, national security, health, and critical infrastructure.