Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The Company Lab (CO.LAB) in Chattanooga is leading a new educational effort called the Quantum Activation Series. The program is being offered to Tennessee’s entrepreneurial, innovation, and technology ecosystems through support from Launch Tennessee and the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) Partner Program.

The Quantum Activation Series will include three events designed to help demystify the quantum economy and address lingering questions about quantum commercialization. While the series will take place across the state, it will also spotlight Chattanooga’s growing role in the quantum sector.

“Quantum technology is advancing quickly, and regions that organize early will define the next decade of innovation,” said Co.LAB Chief Executive Officer Tasia Malakasis. “Tennessee has a rare window to lead the Southeast. This initiative helps catalyze the state’s efforts by building shared understanding, sparking collaboration, and converting technical expertise into long-term economic impact.”

The series will kick off on March 12 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Wolford Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The first session will focus on a key question: How does quantum research translate into real-world economic impact?

Through a sponsorship, IonQ will also play a significant role in bringing the series to communities across the state.

“IonQ has played an active role in quantum innovation and deployment in Tennessee and the Chattanooga region, providing quantum computing, networking, and security technology for quantum infrastructure and other projects like EPB’s pioneering Quantum Network in Chattanooga,” said Jordan Shapiro, President and General Manager of quantum networking, sensing, and security at IonQ. “We’re excited to help support further exploration of quantum’s possibilities through the QAS.”

Registration for the March 12 event is now open.

Like what you've read?