EPB continues to advance its quantum technology efforts by establishing a fellowship supported by a $4 million National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) grant awarded in 2024 to accelerate research, development, and workforce development in quantum technologies.
Through the Quantum Computing Fellowship, EPB aims to provide valuable training and real-world experience, equipping participants to develop quantum solutions that benefit EPB customers and our community.
The company said the program is designed to build a local, quantum-ready workforce and support new local job creation in the rapidly emerging quantum industry. Eight fellows participate in the program, which provides hands-on experience and quantum-ready skills.
“This critical investment in workforce development will prepare a highly skilled workforce to lead the quantum future and keep Chattanooga’s innovation ecosystem on the cutting edge,” said EPB President and CEO-elect Janet Rehberg.
Advancing quantum experience
Like its 2010 move to enable gigabit fiber broadband, EPB has a long history in quantum computing.
EPB made its first foray into quantum with a quantum key distribution (QKD) project that began in 2016. By using fiber-optic loops between its substations as a QKD testbed, EPB gained experience with quantum technology and set a course to take on a larger role in the emerging industry.
In 2023, EPB launched EPB Quantum NetworkⓇ, an industry-led, commercially available quantum network designed to run quantum equipment and applications in an established fiber-optic environment.
Its innovation does not stop there. EPB is in the process of completing its EPB Quantum Center, which will be the nation’s first quantum technology facility to provide commercial access to both quantum networking and computing facilities.
EPB’s efforts have been supported by Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), who began in 2015 with an R&D 100 Award-winning project to use quantum networking to secure the energy grid.
Rehberg said EPB appreciated Fleischmann’s support, adding that the “grant will support EPB Quantum’s work to develop a next-generation workforce and attract talent to our region.”
Identifying applications, solutions
Leading the Fellows program is Quantum Computing Manager Paul Smith.
Before taking his new post, Smith held leadership roles in technology and innovation at EPB, managing enterprise-scale systems and guiding teams through complex modernization efforts.
His experience spans software development, infrastructure optimization, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Smith applies his unique perspective to bridge traditional computing with quantum advancements.
The fellowship curriculum was developed in partnership with leading quantum platform company IonQ, which will also develop and execute a quantum executive education program and identify potential applications and quantum solutions for use cases that EPB and our community members can leverage.
In 2025, EPB announced the addition of an IonQ Forte Enterprise Quantum Computer to EPB Quantum CenterSM in downtown Chattanooga.
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