Energy and telecommunications leader EPB, in partnership with quantum computing pioneer IonQ announced the deployment of the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer on EPB Quantum Network™ powered by Qubitekk. Based in downtown Chattanooga, the system marks the first commercially available trapped-ion quantum computer to be physically installed and operational on a regional quantum network in the United States.
Through the launch of the system, commercial companies, research organizations, and national laboratories have been given access to a high-fidelity quantum computing platform natively connected to a quantum network made up of fiber optics. The creation of this link between QPUs and Quantum Memory/QKD infrastructure by EPB creates a framework that allows real-world testing of quantum algorithms and computation.
Unlocking High-Fidelity Computational Power for Commercial R&D
The IonQ Forte Enterprise utilizes the trapped ion quantum architecture, which is characterized by high fidelity gates, coherence and all-to-all connectivity among the qubits. With this architecture, companies are able to execute optimization programs, molecular simulations, and machine learning models beyond the reach of classic computers.
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Key operational capabilities of the deployment include:
Commercial Quantum Hardware Integration: Connects IonQ’s advanced trapped-ion QPU directly to EPB’s multi-node quantum network.
Low-Latency Quantum Networking: Facilitates real-time quantum state distribution and hybrid quantum-classical workflow execution.
Enterprise Security Standards: Incorporates advanced quantum encryption protocols to protect sensitive research datasets and communication channels.
Expanded Regional Quantum Hub: Provides regional and global developers with remote cloud access alongside physically collocated processing power.
Accelerating Regional Innovation and Workforce Growth
This installation will further reinforce Chattanooga’s place as a national hub of quantum technological advancements. By building quantum infrastructure that can be easily accessed, EPB and IonQ plan to encourage start-ups in the field of technology and develop talent within universities, as well as innovate in sectors such as logistics, materials science, finance, and energy grids.