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Chattanooga secures grant for quantum workforce development
The new EPB programme is designed to build a local quantum-ready workforce and support new, local job creation from the rapidly emerging quantum industry.
At a glance
Who: EPB.
What: EPB has announced a Quantum Computing Fellowship to provide training and real-world experience, equipping participants to develop quantum solutions that benefit EPB customers and the Chattanooga community. Eight fellows will participate in the programme, which provides hands-on experience and quantum-ready skills.
Why: To build a local quantum-ready workforce and support new, local job creation from Chattanooga’s rapidly emerging quantum industry and innovation ecosystem.
When: EPB Quantum Computing will launch in early 2026.
US electric power distribution and telecoms company EPB has announced a Quantum Computing Fellowship to provide training and real-world experience, equipping participants to develop quantum solutions that benefit EPB customers and the Chattanooga community.
The new programme is designed to build a local quantum-ready workforce and support new, local job creation from the rapidly emerging quantum industry. Eight fellows will participate in the programme, which provides hands-on experience and quantum-ready skills.
Development of quantum technologies
The fellowship was established thanks to a $4m National Institute of Standards and Technology (Nist) grant awarded in 2024 to accelerate the research, development, and workforce development of quantum technologies.
“This critical investment in workforce development will prepare a highly skilled workforce to lead the quantum future and keep Chattanooga’s innovation ecosystem on the cutting edge,” said EPB president and CEO-elect Janet Rehberg. “We appreciate the support of congressman Chuck Fleischmann [3rd district of Tennessee], who has championed East Tennessee’s role in advancing quantum technology to shape the future of national security, energy and economic competitiveness.”
“This critical investment in workforce development will prepare a highly skilled workforce to lead the quantum future and keep Chattanooga’s innovation ecosystem on the cutting edge”
Quantum computing manager Paul Smith leads the fellows programme. Previously, Smith held leadership roles in technology and innovation at EPB, managing enterprise-scale systems and guiding teams through complex modernisation efforts.
With varied experience spanning software development, infrastructure optimisation, and the adoption of emerging technologies, Smith applies his perspective to bridge traditional computing with quantum advancements.
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The fellowship curriculum was developed in partnership with leading quantum platform company IonQ, which will also develop and execute a quantum executive education programme and identify potential applications and quantum solutions for use cases that EPB and its community members can leverage.
Last year, EPB announced the addition of an IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer to EPB Quantum CentreSM in downtown Chattanooga.
“This grant will support EPB Quantum’s work to develop a next-generation workforce and attract talent to our region”
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, EPB is a nationally recognised energy and communications provider with a mission to enhance quality of life for the people it serves across its 600-square-mile service area.
Starting in 2010, EPB gained notice as a national model for building and utilising its 100 per cent fibre-to-the-home network to deliver cutting-edge services like the “world’s fastest community-wide internet”, now with service up to 25 Gig, and the nation’s most advanced automated electric grid.
As a pioneer in fibre optic innovation, EPB also launched EPB Quantum to provide access to cutting-edge quantum technology platforms and help innovators bring paradigm-shifting solutions into the real world. With the launch of EPB Quantum Network in 2023 and EPB Quantum Computing (coming in early 2026), EPB reckons it offers the most comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform in the US.
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