EPB launches IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer - Engineering.com

The facility will support quantum research for EPB, UTC and Vanderbilt, including power grid optimization and workforce development. EPB launched the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer at EPB Quantum Center, 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. Janet Rehberg, CEO of EPB at EPB Quantum Center. Putting local customers and university partners first As part of EPB’s commitment to benefiting its customers, the EPB Quantum Computing Fellows will be the first to use the new quantum computer, so they can run the quantum algorithms they have been developing to further optimize local power grid circuits. Funded by a $4 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the initiative has brought eight graduate researchers with expertise ranging from quantum information science to physics and engineering from all over the U.S. to Chattanooga. The effort focuses on finding ways to further optimize the operation of EPB’s advanced, highly automated power grid to reduce costs and enhance resilience for the benefit of local customers. Starting in early October, EPB Quantum Computing will be open for business. UTC will be the first customer, beginning with research the university is already prepared to run. EPB is also working with Vanderbilt to line up its first project. Opening new opportunities for local economic growth Driven by EPB’s mission of enhancing quality of life for the people it serves, Chattanooga’s quantum infrastructure is already drawing new investment, creating new jobs and supporting major expansions in university academics and research in the city. The investments announced in Chattanooga since EPB Quantum began installing the new quantum computer are projected to expand the local economy by adding hundreds of researchers, faculty, staff and students. IonQ is investing $15 million to establish the Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center in Chattanooga, with plans to create approximately two dozen jobs, including quantum scientists and highly skilled researchers. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which in 2023 became the first American university to connect to a commercial quantum network, is expanding its quantum programs with plans to add 135 to 240 faculty, staff and students. Vanderbilt University is partnering with EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation, which will anchor Vanderbilt’s Chattanooga quantum innovation campus with approximately 250 researchers, faculty and staff.

Hybrid Computing Project: In tandem with the EPB Quantum Fellows project funded by NIST, EPB, IonQ, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NVIDIA have installed a classical supercomputer within the EPB Quantum Center, and they are collaborating on a hybrid computing project that combines quantum and high-performance classical computing to optimize portions of EPB’s advanced automated electric grid and evaluate future applications for increasingly complex energy systems. To further build on these gains, EPB is hosting the Quantum in Business (QiB) conference on October 1 with more than 400 business leaders, researchers and policymakers from across the U.S. gathering in Chattanooga to learn how companies can benefit from a projected $2.7 trillion in economic value by utilizing quantum computing in the near term while developing the expertise they need to lead their industries as quantum technology advances. The conference is especially targeted to business leaders in the insurance, logistics, automotive and manufacturing, financial, healthcare and chemicals industries, which are projected to gain tremendous value from quantum technology. How EPB Quantum prepares local people for the quantum jobs of the future Developing a quantum workforce begins long before students enter college. Through partnerships with local schools, universities and industry leaders, Chattanooga is building a talent pipeline that introduces students to quantum and advanced technology careers at every stage of their education. Combined with EPB’s unique commercial quantum infrastructure, these initiatives are helping prepare local people for opportunities emerging in the rapidly growing quantum industry while giving companies new reasons to invest, expand and create jobs in Hamilton County. Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center: EPB and Hamilton County Schools announced the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy, a new program expected to serve approximately 400 high school students annually beginning in 2028. The academy will provide hands-on experience in engineering, cybersecurity, energy systems, communications infrastructure and quantum science. TN QuantumWorks: The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently selected Hamilton County Schools to pilot a statewide K-12 quantum education initiative designed to introduce students to quantum concepts and build pathways into future quantum careers. For more information, visit quantum.epb.com. You might also like