IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) has announced a $22 million agreement with Tennessee-based energy and communications company EPB to jointly develop a quantum innovation center in Chattanooga. This initiative positions Chattanooga as the first U.S. city to host a combined quantum computing and networking hub, placing it at the forefront of the country’s growing quantum economy.
As part of the agreement, EPB will host IonQ’s Forte Enterprise system—the company’s most advanced quantum computer to date—at the EPB Quantum Center. The system, designed for commercial applications and real-world problem solving, will be available to both companies for computing and networking projects, including collaborative work on energy grid optimization.
In addition to delivering the quantum hardware, IonQ will establish a dedicated office in Chattanooga to support local application development and workforce training. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for regional economic development, while expanding IonQ’s quantum services to customers across Tennessee and beyond.
IonQ President and CEO Niccolo de Masi said the partnership aims to build a quantum ecosystem rooted in Tennessee and drive long-term technological and economic gains for the region. EPB CEO David Wade added that the collaboration aligns with national efforts to commercialize quantum technologies while benefiting the Chattanooga community.
The EPB Quantum Center will also continue to host the EPB Quantum Network, which IonQ supports. This commercial network infrastructure enables secure quantum networking capabilities, further reinforcing Chattanooga’s role as a national leader in applied quantum technologies.
IonQ’s growing global footprint now includes quantum systems operating in the U.S. and Europe, with installations in Switzerland and Rome, New York. The company also maintains facilities in Maryland and Washington state, as well as partnerships with major academic institutions and technology organizations.
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