CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 5, 2023) – EPB Quantum NetworkSM powered by Qubitekk today announced that it will host Qunnect, a leader in quantum-secure networking technology, for a series of on-site collaborative validation runs. Qunnect will work with Qubitekk to utilize EPB Quantum Network to determine the interoperability of key quantum technologies across a quantum network. This demonstration will mark the first time two commercial quantum networking companies have operated their hardware to jointly support a distribution protocol.
“It’s especially appropriate for us to have the opportunity to work with Qunnect as our first customer because together we’re demonstrating the collaborative spirit that’s necessary to accelerate the development of quantum technologies into commercial application,” said EPB President and CEO David Wade. “By working with pioneering companies like Qunnect, we’re positioning Chattanooga as a destination for quantum developers to run, develop and validate their equipment and applications.”
EPB Quantum Network and Qunnect’s GothamQ are among the first commercially available quantum networks in the U.S. Most quantum networks today are privately owned and operated, limiting access to developers to run their technologies. EPB Quantum Network and Qunnect have the same goal of hosting networks open to companies to advance quantum technologies out of the lab and into the real world.
“EPB and Qunnect share the vision of building quantum networks that can enable the foundation of the quantum internet and foster solutions possible through quantum technology development,” said Qunnect CEO Noel Goddard. “Running our equipment on EPB Quantum Network is a unique opportunity to demonstrate interoperability between quantum component providers on a dedicated commercial network infrastructure.”
Until recently most quantum technology development has focused on research and not practical application. EPB Quantum Network and Qunnect are both committed to accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies to support the development of deployable networks.
Qunnect’s hardware drives GothamQ, a 50-kilometer network in New York, with two branches each capable of supporting six entanglement nodes that connect the company’s R&D facility in Brooklyn to Queens and Manhattan.
EPB Quantum Network’s 8-kilometer loop has capacity for 10 quantum interconnected user nodes across downtown Chattanooga using commercial network equipment designed and manufactured by Qubitekk.
“This demonstration is a great representation of how the quantum industry can play a leading role in driving quantum technology from the lab to practical commercial application,” said Qubitekk President, CTO and Co-Founder Dr. Duncan Earl. “We’re excited to work with the talented teams at Qunnect and EPB to do just that.”
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About EPB
With the mission of “enhancing quality of life in our community,” EPB is a municipal utility that delivers world-class energy and connectivity services to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding area. 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, which 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 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 seven consecutive years based on customer satisfaction ratings. Learn more at epb.com.
About Qubitekk
Qubitekk designs, builds and integrates the hardware and software for quantum networks, precursors to the quantum-enabled internet while championing the growth of a robust quantum ecosystem through education, advocacy and collaboration. Qubitekk’s comprehensive entanglement distribution technology is at the core of the Bohr-IV Metro Quantum Network solution deployed at EPB and utilized in its Quantum Network Essentials product line and secure network solutions being developed for drones, satellite communications and the electric grid.
Co-founded by Dr. Duncan Earl, a nationally recognized pioneer in the field of practical quantum applications, Qubitekk holds more patents than any American player in quantum communications and security and has been recognized with an Edison Gold Award and R&D World’s R&D 100 Award. Qubitekk’s quantum technology is empowering the next generation of solutions for AI, machine learning, automation, sensing applications, cybersecurity and secure communications. The company’s growing list of partners and customers includes NASA, GE, Verizon, Juniper, the United States Department of Energy and the United States Department of Defense. For more information, visit Qubitekk.com.
About Qunnect
Qunnect innovates and commercializes the core technologies needed for scalable quantum-secure communication. In 2021, the company commercialized the world’s first quantum memory. The memory serves as the cornerstone to Qunnect’s quantum repeater product suite, an integrated solution for long-distance distribution of entanglement across existing telecommunications infrastructure. In 2023, the company launched its GothamQ network in New York City, comprising 300 kilometers of commercial telecom fiber connecting its research facilities in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Manhattan and Queens. Qunnect’s Series A financing was led by Airbus Ventures and is grateful for research support from the US Department of Energy, the US Air Force and Activate Global, sponsored by the DARPA-MTO Innovate Program. For more information, visit Qunnect.inc.
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