EPB Launches IonQ Quantum Computer, Opening U.S.-First Commercial Quantum Hub in October
Updated
Updated · WTVC · Sep 18
EPB Launches IonQ Quantum Computer, Opening U.S.-First Commercial Quantum Hub in October
3 articles · Updated · WTVC · Sep 18
Summary
EPB said its IonQ Forte Enterprise system is now running in Chattanooga, with paid commercial access set to begin in early October and UTC lined up as the first customer.
The utility says pairing the new machine with its existing quantum network makes the site the first in the U.S. to offer commercial quantum computing and quantum networking in one location.
Eight graduate researchers funded through a $4 million federal grant will use the system first, testing algorithms aimed at improving EPB's automated electric grid rather than delivering immediate bill savings.
IonQ has separately announced a $15 million Chattanooga quantum research center with about two dozen jobs, while UTC and Vanderbilt project major staff and researcher expansions tied to the effort.
EPB is also linking the quantum system with a traditional supercomputer in a project with Oak Ridge and NVIDIA, part of a broader push that local officials say could generate up to $1.1 billion over a decade.