This Month's Latest Tech News in Chattanooga, TN - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

Chattanooga is set to make history as America's first quantum computing and networking hub, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between EPB and IonQ. The new EPB Quantum Center - expected to be operational by early 2026 - will provide commercial access to next-generation quantum technologies and serve as a launchpad for workforce development and innovation in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and energy.

With IonQ's Forte Enterprise Quantum Computer at its core and a $22 million investment, Chattanooga's initiative could bring $1–2 trillion in economic value nationwide over the next decade.

As noted by EPB CEO David Wade,

"We have the ability now to not just pass entangled photons, but really to write applications and algorithms, and to start learning something that will be transformative for us."

The city's leadership and municipal fiber infrastructure have been pivotal to attracting IonQ and broadening the region's quantum ecosystem, which is celebrated by local education organizations and the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative.

For readers interested in the details and projected impact, view the comprehensive project overview at the Fiber Broadband Association's coverage.

Chattanooga has secured its place at the forefront of quantum innovation with the announcement of a $22 million partnership between IonQ and EPB to create the nation's first commercial quantum computing and networking hub.

The forthcoming EPB Quantum Center will house IonQ's Forte Enterprise quantum computer - offering advanced 36 qubit processing - and leverage EPB's quantum network infrastructure, launched in 2022.

This facility is set to provide direct commercial access, support workforce development with specialized training, and spur collaborative research in energy grid optimization, cybersecurity, and logistics.

EPB will also sell quantum computing time to external companies, broadening economic opportunity. Local leaders are recognizing the move's transformative potential, with Mayor Tim Kelly stating,

“Quantum technology has the potential to define Chattanooga's economic future.... We will continue to be supportive in any way we can as a partner.”

The center is anticipated to be operational by early 2026, positioning Chattanooga to capture a share of the projected $1–2 trillion economic impact from quantum tech over the next decade.

For more details on this regional breakthrough and its workforce benefits, visit EPB and IonQ's partnership announcement and explore coverage by WDEF on the nation's first quantum tech center in Chattanooga.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has greenlit Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as one of 16 federal sites selected for rapid AI data center development, aiming for operational readiness by the end of 2027.

These sites, which span national labs and former uranium enrichment plants, are strategically positioned with in-place energy infrastructure - including access to TVA's electric grid and nearby nuclear capabilities - to fast-track both data center construction and new power generation permitting.

ORNL's 562-acre plot offers private AI developers unparalleled access to leading AI experts and robust energy resources, supporting projections that AI data centers could consume up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028.

According to Energy Secretary Chris Wright,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project... DOE is taking important steps to leverage our domestic resources to power the AI revolution.”

This initiative is bolstered by recent executive orders emphasizing clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear, while also encouraging innovative public-private partnerships.

For a full breakdown of potential DOE sites and their unique assets, see the DOE's fast-track AI infrastructure plan.

Further details on the RFI and insights into the energy strategies supporting these projects are available from Data Center Frontier's coverage of integrated clean energy data centers and the Knox News report on Oak Ridge's pivotal role.

IonQ is redefining the quantum-AI landscape with its groundbreaking hybrid quantum-classical architectures, setting a new industry benchmark for fusing quantum computing with artificial intelligence.

The company recently demonstrated how integrating a parameterized quantum circuit into classical Large Language Models (LLMs) significantly improved fine-tuning accuracy, particularly in scenarios with limited training data - a leap that could transform natural language processing, image analysis, and materials science.

In tandem, IonQ's Quantum-Enhanced Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) outperformed traditional generative models in up to 70% of image synthesis cases, enabling superior synthetic data augmentation for industries facing data scarcity.

As Masako Yamada, Director of Applications Development at IonQ, emphasized,

“This work highlights how quantum computing can be strategically integrated into classical AI workflows, taking advantage of increased expressivity to enhance traditional AI LLMs in rare-data regimes.”

IonQ's partnerships, such as with AIST's G-QuAT in Japan and a leading automotive manufacturer, reflect the company's commitment to global quantum innovation and commercialization.

Their latest systems, IonQ Forte and Forte Enterprise, feature 36 algorithmic qubits and are accessible via major cloud providers, pushing the practical use of quantum hardware forward.

For a comprehensive look at IonQ's technical milestones - including performance benchmarks for their hybrid architectures - visit IonQ's official research announcement and their insights on supercharging AI with quantum computing.

Explore how these advancements position IonQ as a leader in quantum-boosted AI breakthroughs, as chronicled in TechBullion's industry overview.

Motive has launched a comprehensive AI-powered operational suite at its Vision 25 conference, introducing a new era of safety and efficiency for commercial fleets.

Central to the update is the industry-first AI Coach, a lifelike avatar that delivers personalized video-based driver training and feedback, resulting in a notable 20% injury reduction at early adopters like RoadSafe Traffic Systems.

Leveraging advanced AI models, Motive's suite now detects over ten key fatigue and distraction behaviors - including yawning and lane swerving - issuing real-time alerts and context-rich reports to both drivers and fleet managers.

Innovations such as Unsafe Parking Detection, enabled by computer vision, address risks responsible for more than 600 deaths annually, while the Fatigue Index and AI-powered dashcams have driven up to an 80% reduction in collisions fleet-wide.

The platform also debuts robust fraud protection, guaranteeing up to $250,000 in coverage for users of Motive's fuel card by combining telematics with payment data to block unauthorized transactions and automatically reroute for cost savings.

Motive's integrated analytics dashboard empowers operations, safety, and finance teams to build live KPI reports and drill down by driver or region using intuitive, natural language queries.

As Shoaib Makani, Motive's CEO, explained,

“Our mission is to empower the people who run physical operations with AI-powered tools that make their work safer, more productive and more profitable.”

For a deeper dive into all new features and data, visit FreightWaves' detailed coverage of the Motive Vision 25 Conference, see how personalized coaching works at CCJ Digital's AI Coach breakdown, or review the full AI rollout on Yahoo Tech's Motive suite announcement.

Dr. Robbie K. Melton of Tennessee State University (TSU) has been named one of the 2025 Leading Women in AI, recognized at The AI SHOW @ ASU+GSV Summit for her groundbreaking contributions advancing artificial intelligence in education, equity, and technology innovation.

As TSU's Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, as well as Vice President for Technology and Innovation, Dr. Melton has shaped nationally recognized programs such as the SMART AI for All Research Center, positioning TSU as the first global coding hub among HBCUs through key partnerships - including with Apple.

Her honors extend beyond this latest recognition: she has served as a UNICEF Teacher Education Technology Trainer in Malawi, was inducted into the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education, helping guide education policy across 16 states.

At the recent ASU+GSV Summit, TSU President Dwayne Tucker commended her by saying,

“Dr. Melton's relentless pursuit of excellence in technology and education is inspiring. Her leadership sets a standard for us all, and this honor reflects not only her remarkable contributions but also the transformative impact of our institution on the future of technology.”

Dr. Melton herself sees this award as a beacon: “This recognition serves as a beacon for young women, especially young Black women, to see what is possible.

It is my hope that this inspires the next generation to dream boldly and lead with confidence in shaping the future of technology.” Her enduring impact is celebrated both locally and globally, making her a pivotal leader in the movement toward accessible, inclusive AI education.

For more on her achievements, visit the full coverage at The Tennessee Tribune, see the full list of 2025 Leading Women in AI at ASU+GSV, and explore the ongoing work of the TSU SMART AI Center.

C.R. England, one of America's premier truckload carriers, has announced the fleet-wide rollout of AI-powered, driver-facing cameras from Lytx, equipping its more than 3,500 trucks with DriveCam Event Recorders to proactively detect and prevent unsafe driving behaviors such as distracted driving, cellphone use, failing to wear seatbelts, and tailgating.

This move positions C.R. England alongside other industry leaders like J.B. Hunt and Prime Inc., adopting advanced machine vision and AI technologies to enhance roadway safety and reduce litigation risk: data shows driver-facing camera footage exonerates drivers in 52% of insurance claims and leads to settlements in 86% of legal cases.

C.R. England chose Lytx after a rigorous evaluation, citing the platform's data-driven innovation and customer support. As CEO Chad England explains,

“Nothing we do is more important than making sure our team members and the public return home safely. It's why we invest heavily in driver training and top-tier technology from innovative companies like Lytx.”

With only 32% of fleets nationwide using driver-facing cameras (compared to 72% with road-facing systems), C.R. England's initiative underscores both its commitment to safety and the trend toward AI adoption for fleet management.

For more details on the rollout and technology, see the official announcement from Lytx, coverage at Trucking Dive, and in-depth analysis from FreightWaves.

Chattanooga has emerged as a national leader in quantum innovation as EPB and IonQ unveil a $22 million partnership to establish America's first commercial quantum computing and networking hub.

The new EPB Quantum Center will house IonQ's Forte Enterprise quantum computer - offering 36 algorithmic qubits - and extend tools and training for real-world applications in grid optimization, cybersecurity, and logistics.

With support from local leaders and a mission to build a “quantum-ready workforce,” this initiative positions Chattanooga at the forefront of advanced technology commercialization, promising broad economic benefits as businesses and researchers gain cloud-access to powerful computation previously confined to specialized institutions.

EPB's CEO David Wade explained their goal:

“By establishing Chattanooga as the first U.S. hub for quantum computing and networking, we stand ready to work with companies and researchers across the nation to accelerate the development of real-world applications for quantum technology.”

The shared resource model will allow EPB to offer compute hours to external customers, driving both local R&D and global access.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly lauded the milestone as pivotal for the city's economic future. The quantum center is projected to be fully operational by early 2026, further building on EPB's pioneering launch of the nation's first commercial quantum network in 2022.

For a breakdown of this landmark collaboration, see the details below:

This April, Chattanooga's technology scene highlighted the critical intersection of AI ethics and education, with events like the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference bringing over 650 presenters and 320 original research projects into the spotlight, including innovative work on AI-driven cryptography and equitable technology in education.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building for Project Voice 2025, set to convene on April 28–29, promising fresh dialogue on voice AI's role in learning and communication.

Regionally, the Tennessee AI in Education & Workforce Development Conference is preparing to equip teachers and leaders with actionable strategies to integrate AI responsibly into classrooms and workforce programs, emphasizing ethical best practices and the importance of preparing students for an AI-powered future.

As the Pitt Business Impact Conference on Artificial Intelligence underscored,

"The conference focuses on the promise and perils of Artificial Intelligence (AI), spotlighting its transformative role across business, education, and humanity. It explores how AI can foster innovation and emphasizes the need for responsible and ethical AI deployment in organizations."

For educators and tech professionals eager to engage, find full details about the Tennessee AI in Education & Workforce Development Conference with strategies for responsible AI integration, UTC's robust Spring Research Conference featuring original research on AI innovations, and international trends in responsible AI at the Pitt Business Impact Conference on Artificial Intelligence.

Cleanova has solidified its position as a global filtration leader with several major contract wins and acquisitions this year, including its recent agreement to supply a 72-panel Dollinger AI-146 air intake filtration system to Canada's largest producer of industrial, medical, and specialty gases.

This advanced system, custom-designed with an infrared heating element to overcome extreme Canadian temperatures and optimize compressed air purity, exemplifies Cleanova's push for bespoke, high-performing filtration in demanding environments.

Simultaneously, Cleanova has been awarded the filtration systems contract for a $4.5-billion blue hydrogen facility in Louisiana, delivering three-stage modules designed for flow rates exceeding 650,000 cubic meters per hour and supporting the world's largest carbon capture initiative in development.

Cleanova's rapid global expansion is underpinned by its acquisition of Micronics Engineered Filtration Group, enhancing both its product reach and technical capabilities across North America and EMEA. As CEO Javaid Riaz states,

“This is a significant contract win for Cleanova and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the clean energy transition through innovative filtration solutions.”

Cleanova's combined expertise extends across air and liquid filtration, servicing industries ranging from energy to biotech - a growth trend further illustrated by its recent acquisition of Allied Filter Systems Ltd.

For full project details, technical specifications, and corporate announcements, read Cleanova's Canadian contract coverage on Fluid Power Journal's report on Cleanova's major filtration contract, explore the latest blue hydrogen milestone in Renewable Energy Magazine's article on Cleanova's $4.5B facility win, or see analysis of Cleanova's mergers and acquisitions at Filtration+Separation's Q1 2025 M&A review.

IonQ is rapidly establishing itself as a global quantum leader by forging pivotal partnerships that not only expand international reach but also fuel local innovation in Chattanooga and beyond.

Most recently, IonQ signed a flagship agreement with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the business development arm of the Toyota Group, to promote its advanced trapped-ion quantum systems across Japan's key industries - a move expected to accelerate the national quantum ecosystem, which McKinsey estimates could reach a $1–2 trillion global opportunity by 2035.

This partnership is complemented by IonQ's Memorandum of Understanding with G-QuAT, part of Japan's AIST, enabling Japanese researchers to access IonQ's Forte-class quantum computers via the IonQ Cloud and further advancing hybrid quantum-AI technology for real-world applications.

As IonQ President and CEO Niccolo de Masi describes,

“Our expanded alliance with AIST marks an important step in IonQ's global expansion and deepens our engagement with the Japanese quantum market. We look forward to our further collaboration with G-QuAT to explore new quantum computing applications that can deliver transformative outcomes across industries.”

The agreement with Toyota Tsusho has already resulted in a local commercial deal and supports IonQ's momentum in related initiatives throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including collaborations with Hyundai Motors and leading universities in South Korea.

Recognized on Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000 and Forbes' Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, IonQ's systems now power breakthroughs in logistics, manufacturing, energy, and AI - all accessible through major cloud providers.

For more on the Toyota Tsusho collaboration, see the official IonQ announcement on advancing quantum systems with Toyota Tsusho Corporation; learn about the joint R&D push via the Quantum Computing Report coverage of IonQ and Toyota Tsusho's flagship agreement in Japan; and read about IonQ's partnership with G-QuAT in this Nasdaq feature on IonQ and Japan's G-QuAT quantum research collaboration.

Chattanooga's emergence as America's first quantum computing and networking hub marks the start of a transformative era for the city and the region. Backed by a $22 million investment and a landmark partnership between IonQ and EPB, the soon-to-open EPB Quantum Center will not only house state-of-the-art quantum hardware, such as the IonQ Forte Enterprise computer, but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, specialized workforce training, and cutting-edge research in areas from energy optimization to cybersecurity.

This momentum is mirrored by statewide commitments to expanding AI and technology education, as seen in Austin Peay's $51,000 campus-wide AI initiative, supporting the next generation of tech talent.

Local and federal leaders view these initiatives as

“a pivotal step in building a quantum economy and IonQ ecosystem in Tennessee,”

reinforcing Chattanooga's status as a high-tech leader with broad national and commercial impact.

As the EPB Quantum Center moves toward a 2026 launch, Chattanooga is poised to generate profound value and opportunity across industries. For those looking to upskill in cybersecurity, programming, or software engineering as this tech boom accelerates, accessible training options - like those offered by Nucamp's affordable bootcamps, which include part-time pathways and scholarships - are available to help new talent thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape (learn more about the local quantum innovation drive).

The journey is just beginning, and Chattanooga's community is uniquely positioned to shape the future of quantum and AI innovation in the U.S.