Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, will join industry leaders at EPB’s inaugural Quantum in Business Conference on October 1, 2026, demonstrating practical, current applications of quantum technology, the company says. The conference arrives as the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative builds a robust quantum cluster, bridging industry with academia to move beyond theoretical research. This push for implementation extends to the 36-hour Tennessee Quantum Hackathon, which closes applications October 1 and challenges students to solve real-world problems for the energy sector.
IonQ’s Niccolo de Masi at EPB Quantum’s Business Conference
The EPB Quantum in Business Conference, scheduled for October 1, 2026, focuses on current, practical applications of the technology rather than distant possibilities. This emphasis on immediate relevance signals a shift in the quantum landscape, moving beyond theoretical research toward tangible business solutions. Panel discussions at the conference will explore how companies can integrate quantum-enhanced technology now and prepare for its full potential in the future, a departure from the often-futuristic framing of quantum computing.
IonQ’s recent debut of the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at the EPB Quantum Center in Chattanooga further demonstrates this dedication to practical deployment, according to the company. Industry leaders from all over the nation will be speaking, including Chairman and CEO of IonQ, Niccolo de Masi, as well as representatives from Deloitte, Ernst and Young and Quantum Coast Capital, among others.
Beyond the conference itself, collaborative efforts are underway to build a robust quantum ecosystem within Tennessee. The 36-hour Tennessee Quantum Hackathon will bring student-led teams together to tackle real-world problems identified by the energy sector. Teams will be judged and mentored by industry partners, and cash prizes will be given to the top three winning teams. Students will also have prior access to qBraid, a cloud-based quantum computing software that will allow them to run their code and simulate their algorithmic solutions.
Students from all disciplines (e.g., business, marketing, economics, physics, etc.) across the Southeast region are encouraged to apply. From the first commercially available quantum network and computer, to one of the most comprehensive startup commercialization studios, to K-12 curriculum, Chattanooga further establishes itself as one of the country’s leading quantum hubs. These efforts aim to ensure that quantum technologies not only advance scientifically but also contribute to economic development and address pressing societal challenges.
If you have problems in industry and want to see quantum’s impact, that’s the conversation we’re interested in and it’s what sets us apart.
Chattanooga Launches First Commercial Quantum Computer & Network
The computer’s initial users will be EPB’s Quantum Computing Fellows, who will test algorithms designed to optimize circuits within the local power grid, followed by researchers at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) who will use the computer for Quantum Center research. Companies seeking to purchase computing time can now contact EPB directly, marking a shift from theoretical exploration to accessible quantum resources.
This commercial availability is bolstered by a new 12-month quantum commercialization studio launched by CO.LAB, designed to help quantum companies become customer validated, pilot-ready and investable, with Chattanooga serving as the testing ground. The studio’s partners include Davidson Technologies, Middle Tennessee Electric and UTC, creating a collaborative pipeline for quantum innovation. This coordinated effort extends to education, with a pilot program involving teachers who previously participated in the QCaMP program, further integrating quantum technology into local curricula.
The city’s growing prominence in the quantum landscape was also on display at the recent Quantum World Congress, where representatives from UTC, EPB, CO.LAB, Middle Tennessee State University, and participated in panel discussions about quantum ecosystem growth within the state. EPB’s booth at the congress attracted significant interest from international participants eager to learn more about the unique combination of a commercial quantum network and computer.
Charlie Brock of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative also co-moderated a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill, sharing details of Chattanooga’s initiatives with stakeholders from industry, academia and government. “What’s real, what’s relevant, and what’s next” was a central theme of the discussions, reflecting a desire to move beyond conceptualization and into practical application.
Beyond the immediate benefits to local infrastructure and research, the city’s initiatives are attracting attention from across Tennessee, with a recent roundtable in Jackson, TN, focused on participation in the quantum revolution unfolding in Chattanooga. The event highlighted a broader statewide interest in elevating Tennessee’s position in the national quantum conversation, and a desire to replicate the collaborative model that has driven Chattanooga’s success.
Between Oak Ridge National Laboratory, EPB’s vast quantum network, leading research universities, and an ever-growing technology sector, Tennessee has the foundation to become a national hub for quantum innovation.
Tennessee Quantum Hackathon & qBraid Software Access
The 36-hour Tennessee Quantum Hackathon will provide participants with access to qBraid, a cloud-based quantum computing software platform, allowing students to test algorithmic solutions without requiring local quantum hardware. This access aims to accelerate the development of practical quantum applications, moving beyond simulation to actual code execution and analysis. The event, a collaboration between the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative and CO.LAB, focuses on challenges presented by the energy sector, specifically seeking solutions to real-world problems identified within the industry.
Teams will not only compete for cash prizes but also receive mentorship from industry partners, bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation. Applications for the hackathon close October 1, and the event’s structure emphasizes a hands-on approach to quantum problem-solving. No previous quantum experience is required, and we are looking for students from all disciplines (e.g., business, marketing, economics, physics, etc.) across the Southeast region.
K-12 Curriculum Pilot Program Expands Quantum Education
Tennessee’s expansion of quantum education reached new classrooms this month with the launch of the TN QuantumWorks K-12 curriculum pilot program, initially implemented across cohorts in Hamilton County. Middle school teachers participating in the program received hands-on activity kits enabling students to model quantum principles like superposition and entanglement using simple tools such as coins and pairing cards. High school students will engage with simulations of quantum security protocols and explore potential career paths within the growing quantum technology sector.
This practical focus builds on earlier initiatives, as four teachers in the pilot program previously gained experience through participation in the QCaMP program, which the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative introduced to the region this summer. The collaborative’s Danna Bailey recently highlighted TN QuantumWorks alongside QCaMP and a pre-apprenticeship program during a panel discussion with global experts, emphasizing the region’s commitment to quantum workforce development. Eligible applicants, including higher education institutions, are invited to submit proposals for projects such as regional quantum network expansion, requiring collaboration with non-profit and for-profit partners.
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