CGI Federal has entered into an applied research agreement with the U.S, the company says. Defense Logistics Agency and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to explore agentic AI and quantum computing for logistics resilience. The initiative, called Quantum Pathfinder, aims to move these technologies “from promise to practice” within the Defense Logistics Agency’s systems, uniting government needs with academic research and commercial capability.
“Quantum computing will not arrive as a single product launch; it will arrive as a series of hard research problems solved against real mission constraints,” said Victor Foulk, Vice-President of Emerging Technologies at CGI Federal. Initial exploration will focus on warehouse operations, reverse logistics, and inventory positioning for contested environments.
DLA, CGI Federal, and UT Knoxville Launch Quantum Pathfinder Research
CGI Federal will host the Quantum Pathfinder initiative at its onshore delivery center in Knoxville, Tennessee, directly linking research efforts to a specific geographic hub for quantum innovation. This strategic location reflects a collaborative aim to bolster East Tennessee’s growing reputation as a destination for quantum computing by using existing university and national laboratory resources.
The initiative’s initial focus will be on dynamic smart-warehouse orchestration, reverse logistics, and resilient inventory positioning in challenging operational environments, with specific use cases to be determined jointly in the coming months. These areas represent critical logistical challenges for the Defense Logistics Agency, offering a practical testing ground for emerging technologies.
CGI Federal intends to build a bridge between current systems and the potential of quantum technology, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with partners who understand both the mission requirements and the underlying research. “We are investing to do that work now, alongside a federal partner that understands the mission and an academic partner with deep research expertise,” Foulk added. The partnership extends beyond technological development, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce and attract further investment in quantum research.
Marc Gibson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation Partnerships and Economic Development at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, explained that the agreement “represents an important step in connecting Knoxville’s research strengths, industry expertise and talent-development capabilities to accelerate quantum innovation in Tennessee and beyond.” The University’s Knoxville Quantum Accelerator will be instrumental in strategic investments, workforce development, and securing funding opportunities, positioning East Tennessee as a nationally recognized center for quantum research and economic growth.
Jessica Hersey, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit Leader of Defense, Intelligence and Space at CGI Federal, emphasized the foundational role of logistics expertise, stating, “Deep logistics expertise coupled with AI is the foundational bridge between the systems that our clients depend on today and the capability quantum could enable tomorrow.”
This agreement with CGI Federal represents a step in connecting Knoxville’s research strengths, industry expertise and talent-development capabilities to accelerate quantum innovation in Tennessee and beyond.
Marc Gibson, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation Partnerships and Economic Development, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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