Chattanooga takes the next bold step in its quantum journey
“Gig City Goes Quantum" is a new initiative announced on Thursday to prepare for education, jobs and business opportunities in the emerging quantum technology sector. Up first is an effort that begins on April 14 as part of World Quantum Day with the goal of engaging people of all ages in more than 1,000 quantum learning activities by May 31.
During a meeting of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) Thursday morning, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announced “Gig City Goes Quantum,” a new initiative to prepare for education, jobs and business opportunities in the emerging quantum technology sector.
“Gig City Goes Quantum” will leverage EPB Quantum NetworkSM powered by Qubitekk (see previous teknovation.biz coverage here and here) to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies through collaboration with community leaders, universities, schools and companies starting in Chattanooga and spreading cooperatively across the U.S. The new initiative’s first effort begins on April 14 as part of World Quantum Day with the goal of engaging people of all ages in more than 1,000 quantum learning activities by May 31.
“The launch of EPB’s Quantum Network has positioned Chattanooga to lead in quantum information technology, but there’s still a lot we need to do to prepare our city to thrive in a new quantum age,” Mayor Kelly said. “’Gig City Goes Quantum’ is a collaborative effort to build a new quantum ecology starting right here in Chattanooga, with student education, workforce preparation, and support of companies that are leading the way in translating quantum possibilities into real-world solutions.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp also endorsed the initiative, saying, “This partnership between EPB and Hamilton County Schools presents a unique opportunity for us to be a leader in quantum education and create a talent pipeline that is essential for advancing an innovative local economy. We believe in equipping our students with new skillsets and knowledge that they can apply towards their future career paths, whether it’s in higher education or vocational training.”
Gig City Goes Quantum collaborators include educators, scientists, entrepreneurs and community leaders focused on preparing Chattanooga for the emerging quantum sector which holds the promise to revolutionize computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, finance and many other in-demand fields..
“Gig City Goes Quantum” will offer educational resources for students (5th grade through university) and anyone with a curious mind thanks to support from Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga State Community College, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga 2.0, Public Education Foundation Chattanooga, National Science Foundation, National Q-12 Education Partnership, and Xairos.
The full news release can be found here (Gig City Goes Quantum News Release). To sign-up for updates, email GigCityGoesQuantum@epb.net.
