CO.LAB Receives LaunchTN Grant to Cultivate Quantum Commercialization Pathways Across Tennessee
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Tennessee is poised to become a leader in the burgeoning quantum economy thanks to a new initiative launched by CO.LAB, with support from a competitive grant awarded by Launch Tennessee.
The Quantum Activation Series will convene researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across the state, beginning March 12 at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Wolford Center. This statewide program aims to translate cutting-edge quantum research into tangible economic impact, spotlighting Chattanooga’s growing infrastructure and partnerships. “Quantum technology is advancing quickly, and regions that organize early will define the next decade of innovation,” said CO.LAB CEO Tasia Malakasis. “Tennessee has a rare window to lead the Southeast.” Launch Tennessee & CO.LAB Fuel Quantum Commercialization Pathways A $1.2 million grant from Launch Tennessee is bolstering CO.LAB’s Quantum Activation Series, a statewide initiative designed to accelerate the transition of quantum research into viable commercial applications. The funding, awarded through the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium’s Partner Program, specifically targets collaborative projects that bridge the gap between academic discovery and industry implementation. This program aims to strengthen partnerships between universities, entrepreneurs, and established businesses, while simultaneously increasing investment in research and development across the state. The series also benefits from sponsorship by IonQ, a leading commercial quantum platform company actively involved in Tennessee’s quantum infrastructure projects, including EPB’s pioneering Quantum Network in Chattanooga. Jordan Shapiro, President and GM of quantum networking, sensing and security at IonQ, stated, “We’re excited to help support further exploration of quantum’s possibilities through the QAS.” Subsequent events are scheduled for April 10 at Middle Tennessee State University, with details for a final event to be announced. IonQ Sponsorship Supports Tennessee Quantum Network Development The Company Lab (CO.LAB) initiated the series with a competitive grant from Launch Tennessee, focusing on building a robust quantum ecosystem within the state, and specifically highlighting Chattanooga’s emerging role. Beyond funding, IonQ’s contribution includes leveraging its existing quantum computing, networking, and security technology deployed in projects like EPB’s pioneering Quantum Network in Chattanooga. This commitment extends to engagement with local leaders, including the Chattanooga Quantum Collective, and several universities—The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech University, and Middle Tennessee State University. As a public-private partnership, we are uniquely positioned to provide direct investment, while also supporting collaboration among founders, investors, researchers, the private sector and government.
Launch Tennessee Source: https://thecompanylab.org/ Tags: Quantum News There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. Adrian is an expert on how technology can be transformative, especially frontier technologies. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that is considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing and Quantum tech space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: Quantum Delta’s QuantWare Launches Foundry Services to Lower Quantum Chip Barriers February 14, 2026 Iceberg Quantum Secures $6M Seed Round to Advance Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing February 14, 2026 Xanadu Announces Quantum Algorithm Reducing Chemistry Simulation Costs by 10x February 14, 2026