MTSU, Middle Tennessee Electric formalize quantum testbed partnership
The agreement comes as Tennessee invests $43 million through its Tennessee Quantum Initiative to build the state's standing in the field.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance quantum science research and technology in the region, formalizing a collaboration that’s been in the works for more than a year.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and MTE President and CEO Chris Jones signed the agreement on May 19, 2026.
Purpose of the MOU
Under this agreement, they plan to “develop a quantum testbed that would allow collaborative experiments.”
“We plan to invite other private and public entities to make use of the quantum testbed and the capabilities that we develop in order to teach and empower them. Our goal is to use this partnership to accelerate the development, adoption, and utilization of quantum technologies by companies in Middle Tennessee,” said McPhee.
What does building the state’s standing in this field look like? To MTE, it’s all about innovation and economic development.
“Investments in advanced technologies like quantum computing have the potential to create high-quality jobs, attract new industries and prepare our communities for a rapidly changing future. At Middle Tennessee Electric, we believe supporting innovation is part of serving our members and building a stronger region for generations to come,” explained Jones.
Proven partnerships
This is not the first time MTSU and Middle Tennessee Electric have partnered together.
MTE is a founding partner in MTSU’s QRISE Center, which stands for Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education. Through this center, MTSU and MTE “explore opportunities for fiber/broadband to support emerging quantum technologies, support an incubator environment for emerging quantum technologies and companies and collaborate with academia, research, political, and industry leaders to foster the emerging Quantum Valley region.”
The center launched last fall under the direction of Hanna Terletska, physics associate professor.
“Today’s MOU is a historic milestone and the next bold step in QRISE’s mission to move quantum science out of the laboratory and into the world,” Terletska said. “When a research university and a utility sign an agreement like this, something fundamentally shifts: quantum technology gains a real grid, real infrastructure, and a real community to serve. That is what accelerates deployment. That is what turns research into reality.”
Read the full release here.
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