Vanderbilt Institute to Focus on Quantum Trapped Ion and Photonics Research
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Vanderbilt University and EPB of Chattanooga jointly announced plans to establish the Institute for Quantum Innovation, positioning Tennessee as a national leader in quantum technologies. The new institute will be a center for research, innovation, and graduate-level education, with Vanderbilt establishing an academic campus in Chattanooga to facilitate collaboration and access to EPB’s Quantum Center℠—the first facility offering commercial access to both trapped-ion quantum computing and a photonics-based local quantum network. This collaboration aims to accelerate discoveries in areas like energy, national security, and healthcare, while also developing a skilled workforce through new academic and industry-integrated training programs. Vanderbilt and EPB Launch Quantum Innovation Institute Vanderbilt University and EPB of Chattanooga are collaborating to establish the Institute for Quantum Innovation, positioning Tennessee as a national hub for quantum technologies. The institute will focus on research, innovation, and graduate-level education in quantum fields. Vanderbilt plans to establish an academic research campus in Chattanooga, enabling collaboration with EPB and supporting job creation and economic development. This collaboration aims to accelerate discoveries and drive advancements in areas like energy, national security, and healthcare. The institute will leverage Vanderbilt’s expertise in quantum nanophotonics alongside EPB’s unique quantum infrastructure, including access to a trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network. Vanderbilt will develop graduate academic offerings and industry-integrated training programs to meet the rising demand for expertise in quantum, AI, and cybersecurity. McKinsey predicts quantum technologies could add as much as $2 trillion in value to existing industries by 2035. EPB’s quantum initiatives are projected to generate up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035, according to a peer-reviewed study. Federal leaders support the collaboration, recognizing its potential to strengthen national security, specifically regarding cybersecurity and competitiveness with countries like China, and to create high-skill career pathways in Tennessee. Institute Focus: Research, Education, and Innovation The Institute for Quantum Innovation will serve as a center for research, innovation, and graduate-level education in quantum and related fields. Vanderbilt University will establish an academic research and innovation campus in Chattanooga, co-locating faculty, staff, and students with EPB. This collaboration aims to accelerate discoveries—from quantum nanophotonics to AI—and transition them into real-world applications, specifically in areas like energy, national security, and healthcare. The institute leverages Vanderbilt’s expertise in quantum research alongside EPB’s unique infrastructure, including the nation’s first commercial trapped-ion quantum computer and photonics-based local quantum network. Vanderbilt will develop graduate academic offerings and industry-integrated training programs, providing hands-on experience with this quantum and energy infrastructure. McKinsey predicts quantum technologies could add as much as $2 trillion in value to existing industries by 2035. This collaboration is projected to generate significant economic impact for Chattanooga and Tennessee. A peer-reviewed study estimates up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035. Leaders anticipate the institute will create high-skill career pathways, attract new employers, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem, aligning Tennessee with national priorities in cybersecurity and economic competitiveness. Quantum Technology’s Potential Economic Impact The collaboration between Vanderbilt University and EPB aims to position Tennessee as a national leader in quantum technologies, potentially adding as much as $2 trillion in value to existing industries by 2035. This institute will focus on advancements in areas like energy, national security, health, and logistics, while also preparing the future workforce through graduate-level education and industry-integrated training programs. The goal is to move research quickly from the lab to real-world applications. EPB’s quantum initiatives are projected to generate up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035. Chattanooga’s existing infrastructure, including its fiber-optic network and advanced power grid, provides a strong platform for quantum advancement and fuels tech innovation. The institute intends to attract new employers and supercharge startups, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for emerging technologies. Federal leaders recognize the collaboration’s importance for national priorities, specifically cybersecurity and economic competitiveness. The initiative is expected to harden the energy grid, safeguard communications, and advance America’s technological edge, creating jobs and attracting investments in Tennessee. It aligns with a focus on AI-enabled technologies and a skilled workforce for long-term prosperity. Quantum has the potential to define Chattanooga’s economic future, and this collaboration with Vanderbilt University proves our city is a global leader in this emerging technology.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly Chattanooga and Tennessee: A Quantum Hub Chattanooga and Tennessee are positioning themselves as a national hub for quantum technologies through a new Institute for Quantum Innovation. Vanderbilt University and EPB of Chattanooga are collaborating to establish this institute, aiming to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum science and technology. This collaboration will combine Vanderbilt’s expertise in quantum research and education with EPB’s unique quantum infrastructure, specifically the EPB Quantum Center℠, which provides commercial access to both trapped-ion and photonics-based quantum computing. The Institute will focus on advancing quantum technologies with applications in areas like energy, national security, health, and logistics. A peer-reviewed study projects that EPB’s quantum initiatives could generate up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035. Vanderbilt will establish an academic research campus in Chattanooga and develop graduate-level programs with hands-on experience utilizing EPB’s quantum and energy infrastructure to meet rising demand for skilled professionals. Federal and state leaders support this initiative, recognizing its importance for national competitiveness and security. U.S. Senator Blackburn highlighted the institute’s potential to harden the grid and safeguard communications, while Governor Lee emphasized its role in creating high-quality jobs and investing in a skilled workforce across Tennessee. The collaboration is expected to drive economic growth in Chattanooga and across the state, attracting new businesses and strengthening the innovation ecosystem. From cybersecurity to energy distribution to medicine and science of all kinds, the potential for quantum innovation to improve our lives is enormous.
Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier National and Federal Support for the Collaboration The collaboration between Vanderbilt University and EPB received support from both Tennessee and federal officials, aligning with critical national priorities. U.S. Senator Blackburn highlighted the partnership’s role in hardening the grid, safeguarding communications, and advancing America’s technological edge.
Representative Chuck Fleischmann also voiced support, emphasizing the acceleration of breakthroughs for critical infrastructure protection and national security. This backing demonstrates a commitment to Tennessee’s leadership in emerging technologies. Federal and state leaders recognize the economic benefits of this institute.
Governor Bill Lee stated the collaboration will strengthen the energy grid, invest in the workforce, and create high-quality jobs across Tennessee. A peer-reviewed study predicts EPB’s quantum initiatives will generate up to $1 billion in value for the local community between 2026 and 2035. This positions Chattanooga and Tennessee as key players in a rapidly growing field. The institute’s establishment was also praised for its potential to bolster national competitiveness. Leaders emphasized the importance of quantum technologies in areas like cybersecurity and countering foreign adversaries. McKinsey‘s Quantum Technology Monitor predicts these technologies will add as much as $2 trillion to existing industries by 2035, solidifying the importance of this collaboration for economic growth and technological advancement. Source: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/chancellor/initiatives-and-outreach/growth/quantum-innovation/press-release/ Tags: