Tuesday marks the official launch of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC), a non-profit organization dedicated to spearheading the development of a thriving quantum ecosystem in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. With a mission to leverage quantum resources and mobilize partnerships to benefit the region's people, businesses, and communities, CQC aims to establish a comprehensive framework for workforce development, economic growth, and infrastructure advancement in the quantum technology sector.
Chattanooga is well-known for maximizing innovation, particularly the groundbreaking efforts to leverage EPB’s 1 gigabit-per-second community-wide fiber optic infrastructure, which generated nearly $2.8 billion in community benefit over the first decade of its operations. Capitalizing on the region’s eagerness to support such initiatives, CQC is poised to harness the potential of quantum resources, including EPB’s quantum infrastructure, EPB Quantum Network powered by Qubitekk, to prepare business, academic, and government organizations to optimize the benefits of the coming quantum age.
The CQC Board of Directors has appointed Charlie Brock, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and former head of LaunchTN, to lead the charge. Brock brings extensive experience in fostering innovation ecosystems and will oversee the implementation of several immediate action items, including:
- Spearheading the community’s second annual celebration of World Quantum Day (April 14-May 31) by offering content for learning about the science and implications of quantum technology. The CQC is working with EPB and other partners to offer free learning activities such as videos, lessons, and interactive content for learners of all ages. Building on 2023 efforts to generate interest in quantum technology, the CQC anticipates 4,000 learning activities during the observance.
- Developing and implementing a 10-year community plan starting with national experts to conduct a comprehensive study of the quantum landscape, identifying growth opportunities, challenges to overcome, and potential avenues for state and federal funding to support quantum initiatives. The CQC will recruit and convene a group of local and regional stakeholders representing education, business, and government perspectives on plan development and implementation.
- Leading the effort to engage quantum experts in sessions at CO.LAB’s second annual CoMobility Summit at UTC in May. CQC is recruiting national experts in quantum technology to speak with regional professionals about how quantum has the potential to impact various business sectors positively.
“I'm honored to play a role in helping our area realize the potential that quantum offers for technology-based economic development, bringing together stakeholders to drive job creation, economic mobility, and new innovations,” said Mr. Brock.
The CQC's initial 10-year community goals include realizing $5 billion in economic benefit from quantum technology in Chattanooga/Hamilton County and training a quantum-ready workforce of 5,000 people in the area.
“I’m glad to help facilitate our community’s effort to capitalize on EPB’s outstanding infrastructure to take advantage of coming opportunities in quantum technology,” said CQC Board Chair and former U.S. Senator Bob Corker.
“Since the launch of EPB Quantum Network, our community’s focus on quantum technology continues to generate interest and momentum,” said EPB CEO and CQC Board Member David Wade. “With the CQC’s coordination and support, we can expand opportunities for everyone in our community to participate in meaningful ways to make Chattanooga a global destination for quantum developers and business innovation.”
"Chattanooga has a proud tradition of working together across the public, non-profit, and private sectors to get things done for our community, and this partnership is one of the next great chapters in that history,” said Chattanooga Mayor and CQC Board Member Tim Kelly. “Thanks to the foresight of previous mayors and the leadership of EPB, we have a special opportunity to be at the forefront of this emerging area of growth. Quantum technology could define our economic future, bringing opportunities to our community unlike any we’ve ever seen before.”
A membership-based organization, the CQC is supported by founding members EPB, the City of Chattanooga, TVA, UTC, and Oak Ridge National Lab. Currently, additional members include Hamilton County, Chattanooga State Community College, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Company Lab, Hamilton County Schools, and Qubitekk.
For more information about the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, visit www.ChattanoogaQuantum.com.
Click here to see what area leaders are saying about the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative.