Chattanooga is moving closer to becoming a national center for quantum science and technology with plans for the Institute for Quantum Innovation. Pending accreditation approval, Vanderbilt University and EPB of Chattanooga will establish a graduate-level research and innovation center designed to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum science while fostering direct collaboration between faculty, graduate students and industry professionals. The institute is expected to support advancements across energy, national security, health care, logistics, insurance and critical infrastructure. If approved, it would be the first U.S. facility to provide commercial access to both a trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network, positioning the city at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Beyond research, the partnership is projected to strengthen workforce development, expand job opportunities and drive long-term economic growth throughout the region. Vanderbilt leaders and students view the collaboration as a strategic step that elevates graduate education while increasing awareness of quantum career pathways for undergraduates. While the institute is designed for advanced study, its presence is expected to create future opportunities for internships, industry engagement and applied learning. As the initiative gains momentum, the Institute for Quantum Innovation underscores Scenic City’s growing role as a place where academic research, industry collaboration and economic opportunity converge.