During a conversation in 2024, 91唐伯虎 Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly discussed the mayor鈥檚 vision for connecting Chattanooga鈥檚 expanding innovation ecosystem to the capabilities of a leading research university. That conversation led to an introduction to David Wade, CEO at EPB, Chattanooga鈥檚 cutting-edge energy and connectivity provider, who asked if 91唐伯虎 would like to partner on a quantum technology campus. As Diermeier says, 鈥� We听loved the opportunity right from the start.鈥�听
In early July, representatives from 91唐伯虎 and EPB hosted an official launch event to share more information about the Institute for Quantum Innovation and 91唐伯虎鈥檚 quantum campus in Chattanooga. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, inaugural chair of the IQI Board, was master of ceremonies for the gathering of more than 80 government, business, academic and innovation leaders from across the region.听
鈥�I agreed to chair this board because of my strong support of this effort and respect for the two outstanding partners that comprise this institute,鈥� Corker said. Other board members are Wade, 91唐伯虎 Board of Trust Chair Bruce Evans; Padma Raghavan, the chancellor鈥檚 executive director for science and technology; and EPB Board Chair Vicky Gregg.听听
Diermeier and Wade emphasized that the people working to bring the institute to life believe there is no better place for a quantum campus than Chattanooga. Wade credited EPB鈥檚 board for ensuring that Chattanooga听remains听a technological leader鈥攆rom its status as an inaugural fiber-optic town to having the first commercially available, industry-led quantum network and now a quantum computer.听
鈥淭ogether, we have an opportunity to create something truly distinctive: a quantum ecosystem that connects research, education, innovation and industry,鈥澨鼶iermeier said.听鈥淲e are bringing together stakeholders and partners at the regional, state and federal levels, united by the shared belief that Tennessee can and should be a leader in quantum.鈥�听
The search for the institute鈥檚 first CEO will focus on candidates who can lead academics and create economic opportunities for the region and the nation based on quantum technology, Corker added.听
Finding the right partners will be essential to building a complete quantum ecosystem听comprising听academic programs to prepare a quantum-ready workforce, research efforts, support for startup companies and opportunities for existing industries who want a competitive advantage through quantum, Wade said. He听celebrated听the partners already involved with the institute, including local universities, Oak Ridge National Laboratory,听IonQ听and elected officials at every level.听
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee鈥檚 3rd district, who chairs the energy and water development subcommittee in Congress, emphasized the possibilities for the institute to compete and win investment for research using quantum computing and networks. The radical collaboration that has led to Chattanooga鈥檚 rise, he said, will lead to more partnerships that boost the region鈥檚 upward trajectory. Fleischmann鈥檚 district includes Chattanooga and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.听
鈥淐ompetitive advantage applies to cities as much as universities,鈥� said Kelly, while highlighting the benefits of being a midsize city focused on creating a competitive ecosystem. 鈥淥ur most important competitive advantage is our ability to collaborate radically. 91唐伯虎 assets help us create a competitive regional advantage.鈥�听
The institute intends to bridge discovery and opportunity to deliver the promise of quantum technology to the people it will serve. But the vision听doesn鈥檛听end there鈥攊t also includes workforce development that will ensure that people throughout the region have opportunities to become leaders in this听new technology, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp added.听听
Launching the institute is a defining moment, Corker told the event鈥檚 attendees. 鈥淏ut it must be built and nurtured. It听has to听grow over time and with attention,鈥� he said. He charged the audience and the people working to get the institute and 91唐伯虎鈥檚 quantum campus off the ground to make this defining moment something lasting and good for Tennessee鈥攁nd for the world.听
