A startup commercializing quantum encryption technology licensed from Oak Ridge National Laboratory is among the first four companies selected for CO.LAB Q, a new Chattanooga-based accelerator focused on bridging the gap between quantum breakthroughs and commercial applications. The 12-month program will evaluate each team using a “commercialization readiness score” measuring business, leadership, product, market fit and technology readiness.

“Quantum companies don’t fail for lack of science,” said CO.LAB CEO Tasia Malakasis, “They stall in the gap between a breakthrough and a paying customer.” CO.LAB Q aims to connect these teams with infrastructure, partners and customers to validate their technologies and build commercial proof.

CO.LAB Q Accelerator Launches with Four Quantum Start-ups

Ridge Quantum is focused on deploying continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) technology, originally developed, to secure critical infrastructure like utilities and defense systems. The company will specifically validate its deployment on EPB’s existing fiber and quantum network, aiming to define a practical operational security application during its participation in the CO.LAB Q accelerator. Superquantum, another selected startup, is building software designed to optimize quantum resource estimation, targeting quantum hardware manufacturers, platform providers and application developers.

The company intends to benchmark its compiler and execution tools across diverse hardware platforms, establishing a clear commercial pathway for platform users. Esoteriq is developing Rune, a software solution that assesses the feasibility of encoding real-world data for processing on quantum computers. The company will test Rune’s capabilities using representative customer data on actual quantum hardware, seeking to secure a design partner to further refine its approach.

Kottackal, the final company in the inaugural cohort, is building a secure sensing and intelligence platform that integrates both quantum and classical sensors with secure networking, data fusion and artificial intelligence. Kottackal will pursue an asset-monitoring pilot program with regional energy and industrial partners, demonstrating the platform’s capabilities in a practical setting. The selection of these four companies emphasises a deliberate strategy to address immediate, regional challenges with emerging quantum technologies.

The CO.LAB Q accelerator’s structure is designed to accelerate this process, moving beyond purely scientific evaluation to focus on commercial readiness. Bryan Barringer, Managing Director of CO.LAB, explained that each team will undergo an initial assessment resulting in a “commercialization readiness score” that measures business acumen, leadership capabilities, product viability, market fit and technological maturity.

This score will be a baseline for tracking progress throughout the 12-month program, with teams regularly presenting to an internal review board. “Our goal is to plug them in with our local technical partners, showing them that Chattanooga is a cluster of quantum innovation with the workforce to support it,” Barringer said.

“Of course, our hope is that they eventually want to start or grow their businesses here.” Mayor Tim Kelly emphasized the broader impact of the program, stating, “By matching quantum startups with the world-class infrastructure, technical expertise and real-world opportunities to test and scale solutions, the accelerator program will help create skilled jobs and new investment in Chattanooga.” Barringer further elaborated on the regional significance, noting, “Chattanooga is the focal point. But this isn’t just about our city. Winning the quantum race is about our region and our nation. It’s much bigger than us.” The CO.LAB Q program, through its focused approach and strategic location, aims to establish Chattanooga as a key hub for quantum commercialization and innovation.

Our goal is to plug them in with our local technical partners, showing them that Chattanooga is a cluster of quantum innovation with the workforce to support it.
Bryan Barringer, Managing Director of CO.LAB

Source: https://www.teknovation.biz/chattanoogas-quantum-commercialization-studio-kicks-off-with-four-teams/

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