EPB Launches IonQ Forte Enterprise Quantum Computer in Chattanooga

Insider Brief

• EPB has launched an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at the EPB Quantum Center in Chattanooga, combining commercial quantum computing and networking at one facility.
• EPB Quantum Computing Fellows will be the system’s first users, followed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga when the service opens commercially in early October.
• EPB, IonQ and university and research partners are using the facility to support quantum research, hybrid quantum-classical computing, workforce development and commercial applications.

PRESS RELEASE — EPB today launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at EPB Quantum Center^SM, bringing commercial quantum computing and networking together in one facility for the first time. The milestone further positions Chattanooga as the most comprehensive resource in the U.S. for commercializing real-world quantum solutions. Companies can develop, test and deploy quantum technologies here with access to advanced quantum infrastructure and a growing network of development partners, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Vanderbilt University.

“Today’s launch represents another major step in the growth of a quantum ecosystem found only in Chattanooga,” said Vicky Gregg, Chair of the EPB Board of Directors. “Just as EPB’s decision to launch the world’s first community-wide gig-speed internet shaped our community’s future back in 2010, this milestone carries forward our strategy of building advanced infrastructure that enhances the way we serve our customers while opening new economic opportunity for our community.”