EPB will provide new support to expand academic and research leadership on quantum technologies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), according to a release from the company.
The board says the partnership will strengthen Chattanooga’s growing quantum ecosystem by expanding workforce development, advancing research, and accelerating efforts to translate emerging technologies into real-world economic opportunity.
In simple terms, more students and researchers will have access to the EPB Quantum Center.
“Through this partnership, we are enhancing Chattanooga’s ability to prepare people in our region for the jobs of the future,” stated 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.”
EPB Board Chair Vicky Gregg said UTC has been a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s leadership in the quantum space.
“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,” Gregg stated.
UTC plans to use the funding to:
Strengthen quantum workforce pipeline by adding 135-240 faculty, staff and students to UTC’s campus related to quantum initiatives and education over the next five years
Expand research into quantum algorithms, machine learning, networking, and sensing
Advance research and commercialization efforts supporting applications to enhance energy systems and grid resilience
According to a report EPB cited, quantum computing alone could create up to $2.7 trillion of economic value by 2035.
EPB says that UTC Center for Economic Research Fellow Dr. Bento Lobo projected that EPB’s quantum assets are projected to generate up to $1.1 billion in community benefit in Chattanooga over the next decade.
Several elected officials made statements about the announcement:
“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.”
– Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
“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.”
– Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp
““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 Bo Watson (R-North Chattanooga)
Read more about the partnership and EPB’s previous quantum work at EPBQuantum.com.