Not just physics: Quantum to make business case at Chattanooga conference

EPB knows most businesses don't have a clear idea of how quantum technology could be useful to them. That's why the Chattanooga utility is hosting its inaugural "Quantum in Business" conference.

The conference agenda includes discussions with titles like "Why This Is a Business Conversation, Not a Physics One" and "How Quantum Moves from Campus to Company." The event will bring together politicians, quantum scientists and business executives for a full day of events at the Westin hotel Oct. 1.

The conference comes shortly after EPB launched its quantum computer, the IonQ Forte Enterprise. Companies will be able to use the machine to solve business problems.

The conference will bring attendees close to the EPB Quantum Center, the first facility to combine commercial quantum computing and networking in one place, EPB officials said.

(READ MORE: IonQ creating research, development center in Chattanooga)

"What we are focused on is making sure that businesses know that there's value in it now," EPB spokesperson Sophie Moore said of the conference in an interview. "They can come to this one-of-a-kind site and start solving the problems that today's classical computers can't around optimization and risk."