Chattanooga, Tennessee—long known as the “Gig City” for its trailblazing investment in citywide fiber infrastructure—is rapidly emerging as one of the nation’s most compelling hubs for quantum technology innovation. Anchored by advanced infrastructure, strong public-private partnerships, and a growing talent pipeline, the region is positioning itself not just to participate in the quantum economy, but to help define it.

At the center of this transformation is EPB Quantum, a first-of-its-kind initiative that delivers commercial access to quantum networking and, soon, quantum computing. EPB launched the EPB Quantum Network in 2023, establishing America’s first industry-led, commercially available quantum network designed for real-world testing and deployment of quantum technologies. This dedicated, fiber-based environment enables companies, researchers, and startups to test hardware, validate applications, and accelerate commercialization in ways previously limited to laboratories. By lowering barriers to entry, Chattanooga is making it easier for innovators to turn theoretical breakthroughs into practical solutions.

The EPB Quantum Center builds on this advantage. The new facility provides commercial access to quantum networking, classical supercomputing provided by an NVIDIA DGX system and a high-performance quantum computer powered by IonQ, one of the world’s leading quantum firms. This combination—network plus compute—is exceptionally rare and positions Chattanooga as the first U.S. hub to offer integrated quantum computing and networking resources at scale. For companies working on everything from cybersecurity to logistics optimization, this ecosystem provides a powerful platform to develop and test next-generation applications in a live environment.

Equally important is the collaborative framework forming around this infrastructure. The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC), a nonprofit organization launched in 2024, is focused on aligning stakeholders across technology, economic development, and workforce training. Its mission is to bring together business leaders, researchers, educators, and government partners to build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem that drives both innovation and regional prosperity. By actively coordinating across sectors, CQC ensures that Chattanooga’s quantum ambitions are supported by talent development, community engagement, and long-term strategic planning.

This strong engagement with the entire community is a key differentiator for the region. Chattanooga’s quantum ecosystem is not being built in isolation; it is deeply integrated with leading research institutions and national partners. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is already connected to the EPB Quantum Network—making it the first university in the U.S. with access to a commercial quantum network. Meanwhile, collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, and companies like IonQ extend Chattanooga’s reach into federal research, advanced academia, and global industry. These relationships ensure a steady flow of ideas, talent, and investment into the region.

For companies, Chattanooga offers a uniquely practical environment for quantum development. The EPB network infrastructure is not experimental—it is operational, scalable, and accessible through subscription models tailored to innovators ranging from startups to Fortune 500 firms. This reduces the risk and cost typically associated with quantum R&D, allowing organizations to test use cases such as secure communications, energy optimization, and advanced data modeling in real-world conditions. Quantum applications that could accelerate drug discovery, improve supply chains, or enhance national security are no longer distant possibilities—they are being actively explored here.

The region’s foundational infrastructure is another major advantage. Chattanooga’s 9,000-mile fiber network—capable of delivering speeds up to 25 gigabits per second—provides the backbone for both classical and quantum systems. This existing connectivity, combined with EPB’s smart grid and reputation for reliability, creates an environment where high-performance computing and data-intensive applications can thrive. It is no coincidence that Chattanooga’s earlier investments in broadband generated billions in economic impact; those same assets are now fueling the next wave of technological advancement.

Beyond infrastructure and partnerships, Chattanooga is also investing heavily in workforce development. Initiatives tied to the EPB Quantum Center, CQC, and university partners are focused on training a “quantum-ready” workforce through specialized programs, fellowships, and industry-aligned curricula. This ensures that companies locating in Chattanooga will have access to the talent needed to scale operations and innovate over the long term.

Ultimately, Chattanooga’s emergence as a quantum hub reflects a broader pattern of intentional innovation. The city has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to anticipate technological shifts—from gigabit broadband to smart city infrastructure—and invest ahead of the curve. Today, that same forward-thinking approach is being applied to quantum technology, with a clear focus on commercialization, collaboration, and community impact.

For companies and researchers working at the frontier of quantum science, Chattanooga offers something rare: a place where cutting-edge infrastructure, supportive partnerships, and real-world application environments come together. As quantum technology moves from theory to practice, Chattanooga is not waiting to catch up—it is helping lead the way.