CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., April 12, 2024 — The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC), in partnership with EPB, today announced the launch of a six-week exploration of quantum technology in observance of World Quantum Day, April 14th.

From April 14 to May 31, learners of all ages and education levels are invited to explore quantum technology through a series of activities at GigCityGoesQuantum.com. The effort is a continuing community-wide collaboration to prepare Chattanooga for education, jobs, and business opportunities in the emerging quantum sector.

“We’re grateful for the scientists, instructional designers, teachers, and others who have contributed expertise to build a collection of learning resources to help make learning about quantum accessible for everyone,” said Charlie Brock, CEO of Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative.

Interactive opportunities are designed to be completed at school or home, including a live-stream challenge with students at the EPB Institute of Technology and Networking at Tyner Academy. Other activities will include events with quantum experts from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Arizona State University, IonQ, and Qubitekk in presentations available both in person and via live stream at GigCityGoesQuantum.com.

Other available resources include hands-on activities created by instructional designers at the Public Education Foundation, the Enterprise Center, and the National Q-12 Partnership.

“Hamilton County Schools is dedicated to preparing our students for life after graduation, and our community is moving to a future of careers in quantum,” said Dr. Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent. “For our students, this means encouraging skills development, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, through learning precision making, design, and more in eLabs across our district. I encourage our students, staff, families, and community to continue utilizing the resources made available for World Quantum Day throughout the year as we prepare our students for the future of careers in Hamilton County.”

To encourage participation, CQC will give away five $150 Amazon gift cards through a drawing among participants who register at GigCityGoesQuantum.com.

The 2024 World Quantum Day observation follows a successful 2023 initiative that resulted in more than 2,000 activities completed by students and adult learners across the Chattanooga and Hamilton County area. In 2024, partners expect to see 4,000 quantum-related activities completed during the 6-week observation period.

“As much potential as quantum holds for future technological advancements, Chattanooga has the distinction of being on the leading edge as a destination for quantum developers, and we want everyone who lives here to benefit,” said EPB CEO David Wade. “There are significant talent gaps across the industry. Through CQC’s and World Quantum Day learning activities, we hope to start the process of positioning the people who live in our own community to be ready for the jobs and investment opportunities that await.”

In addition to the CQC and EPB, contributors and partners in commemorating World Quantum Day include UTC, Oak Ridge National Lab, IonQ, Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga State Community College, Qubitekk, the Public Education Foundation, the Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga Technology Council, the Company Lab, the Enterprise Center, Chattanooga 2.0, the City of Chattanooga, and Hamilton County.

Launched in March 2023, Gig City Goes Quantum is part of Chattanooga’s larger effort to leverage EPB Quantum Network powered by Qubitekk, to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology. Public and private organizations across Chattanooga continue collaborating to develop a quantum ecology to grow education, business, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

World Quantum Day is a global observance to promote public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology around the world, beginning every April 14.

About the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC)

The Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a robust quantum ecosystem in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee, and beyond. By leveraging quantum resources and mobilizing diverse partnerships for the benefit of the region’s people, businesses, and communities, the CQC aims to drive workforce development, economic growth, and infrastructure advancement in the quantum technology sector. For more information about the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, visit ChattanoogaQuantum.com.

About EPB

EPB is a customer-focused technology company that delivers innovative power and telecommunications solutions to the Chattanooga area in pursuit of its mission to enhance the quality of life for the community it serves. In 2010, EPB completed a 100% fiber optic network accessible to all its customers as the basis for launching America’s first community-wide Gig speed internet. The company still operates the world’s fastest community-wide internet service today at speeds up to 25 Gig. EPB also utilizes Chattanooga’s fiber optic network as the communications backbone for the most advanced and highly automated power distribution system in the United States. In 2022, EPB continued its commitment to keeping Chattanooga on the cutting edge by establishing our nation’s first commercially available quantum network—EPB Quantum Network powered by Qubitekk. This effort aligns local job creation efforts with the national priority to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology.

Since switching the lights on for its first electric customer in 1939, EPB has grown to serve nearly a half a million people across a 600-square-mile service area with cutting-edge infrastructure that integrates power distribution and telecommunications. At the same time, EPB keeps customer benefit at the center of all its efforts, earning recognition from J.D. Power as the #1 Mid-Sized Utility in the South for the last eight consecutive years based on customer satisfaction ratings. Learn more at epb.com.

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Source: Qubitekk