TNECD Announces Launch of QUBIT Grant Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the launch of the Tennessee Quantum Utilization Buildout Infrastructure and Technology (QUBIT) Grant Program, housed under TNECD’s Office of Innovation.

The program will allocate $43 million, which was included in Gov. Lee’s recommended budget and passed during the 2026 legislative session, to support the physical and digital shared-use infrastructure and support network needed to connect Tennessee’s quantum assets and expand access to quantum technologies statewide.

“Tennessee is uniquely positioned to lead the future of quantum technology because of the extraordinary assets we have across our state,” said Gov. Lee. “By investing in the infrastructure needed to connect those assets, we’re creating new opportunities for innovation, economic growth and high-quality jobs for Tennesseans.”

The projects selected will aim to strengthen regional quantum hubs, expand quantum cloud access, establish open-access testbeds and advance a coordinated statewide quantum infrastructure network.

Eligible projects may include:

• Regional quantum network expansion
• Open-access quantum networking testbeds
• Statewide quantum cloud access
• Institutional and regional access nodes
• Quantum sensing and secure communications infrastructure
• Cybersecurity and interoperability infrastructure
• Supporting infrastructure