The EPB Quantum Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has officially launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise trapped-ion quantum computer, according to an announcement on September 18, 2026. This deployment establishes the facility as the first commercial hub in the United States to integrate trapped-ion quantum processing units alongside photonics-based quantum networking infrastructure under a single operational roof, as reported by EPB and PR Newswire.
Chattanooga Establishes First Commercial Quantum and Networking Hub
According to EPB, the integration of the IonQ Forte Enterprise system with existing quantum networking creates an environment where businesses can develop, test, and deploy quantum technologies. Vicky Gregg, chair of the EPB Board of Directors, stated via PR Newswire that the milestone carries forward the organization’s strategy of building advanced infrastructure.
“Just as EPB’s decision to launch the world’s first community-wide gig-speed internet shaped our community’s future back in 2010, this milestone carries forward our strategy of building advanced infrastructure that enhances the way we serve our customers while opening new economic opportunity for our community,” Gregg said.
Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ, noted in the release that the Forte Enterprise system complements EPB’s quantum networking capabilities. “Together, we’re creating a first-of-its-kind environment where organizations can explore quantum applications today and help shape the opportunities this technology will create tomorrow,” de Masi said.
Did you know? EPB statistics show that IonQ is committing $15 million toward the creation of the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center in Chattanooga, intending to generate roughly twenty-four positions involving quantum scientists and advanced researchers.
Prioritizing Local Grid Optimization and Academic Partners
An eight-member graduate research group known as the EPB Quantum Computing Fellows, backed by a $4 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), receives primary computational access to the newly deployed system. According to EPB, these researchers are using the system to run algorithms designed to optimize local power grid circuits, reduce costs, and enhance resilience.
Commercial service access, branded as EPB Quantum Computing℠, opens in early October 2026. According to EPB CEO Janet Rehberg, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Vanderbilt University will serve as anchor academic clients, with UTC slated as the first external customer ready to run prepared research.
“Access to a quantum computer is rare and valuable,” Rehberg said according to PR Newswire. “We’re starting with our own work to directly benefit our customers while also prioritizing the universities that are investing to expand quantum education, workforce development and research right here in Chattanooga.”
Economic Growth and Infrastructure Matrix
Local officials report that the quantum infrastructure is drawing new investment and creating new jobs. Investments announced since EPB Quantum began installing the system are projected to expand the local economy by adding hundreds of researchers, faculty, staff, and students.
| Partner Entity | Facility / Investment Program | Operational Scope & Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| IonQ | $15 Million Investment, TN Quantum Communications Research Center | On-premises #AQ 36 QPU deployment, quantum research and engineering hiring. |
| EPB, ORNL, NVIDIA, & IonQ | Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing Hub | On-Premises NVIDIA DGX Supercomputer, smart grid circuit loss minimization, high-performance hybrid algorithm testing. |
| Vanderbilt University & UTC | Institute for Quantum Innovation | Academic and workforce expansion, 250+ researchers at Vanderbilt campus, UTC quantum network research node. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantum computer was launched at the EPB Quantum Center?
According to EPB, the facility launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise trapped-ion quantum computer, alongside photonics-based quantum networking infrastructure.
When does commercial access begin for EPB Quantum Computing?
Commercial service access opens in early October 2026, with UTC and Vanderbilt University acting as anchor academic clients, as reported by EPB.
Who are the first users of the new quantum computer?
The EPB Quantum Computing Fellows—an eight-member graduate research team funded by a $4 million NIST grant—are the first to use the system to run algorithms optimizing local power grid circuits, according to EPB sources.
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