Quantum - The Company Lab (CO.LAB)

Building What’s Next

What is Quantum and why does is matter?

Quantum technology harnesses the powerful laws of quantum physics to solve problems beyond the reach of today’s computers and sensors.

Unlike traditional bits (0s and 1s), quantum systems use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This unlocks transformative advances in computing, secure communications, ultra-precise sensing, and complex optimization.

Quantum will reshape grid resilience, cybersecurity, logistics, climate modeling, finance, and drug discovery. And it’s advancing rapidly.

Why Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is building the future rather than waiting for it.

Our region sits at the intersection of energy, mobility, research, and advanced networking, making it one of the most compelling testbeds for quantum innovation in the United States.

Our Quantum Infrastructure:

EPB’s Quantum Center℠

The nation’s first commercial facility offering both a trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network

IonQ Forte Enterprise

Commercially available quantum computing power, locally accessible

World-Class Research Partnerships

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Quantum Research Center, and Vanderbilt University

Thriving Business Ecosystem

Energy, logistics, cybersecurity, and manufacturing companies alongside a growing startup community

Institute for Quantum Innovation

The newest collaboration between EPB and Vanderbilt University, dedicated to accelerating Chattanooga as the leader in quantum research

CO.LAB Accelerator

Our very own Quantum Tech Accelerator helps founders translate cutting-edge quantum research into scalable, real-world businesses.

Why CO.LAB?

We’ve got the CO.LAB Quantum Tech Accelerator

The CO.LAB Quantum Tech Accelerator helps founders translate cutting-edge quantum research into scalable, real-world businesses.

CO.LAB Quantum Startup Accelerator Group

We Support Startups and teams working in:

Quantum computing and algorithms
Quantum networking and communications
Quantum cybersecurity and encryption
Quantum sensing and imaging
Energy, grid, and climate applications
Mobility, logistics, and optimization
Enabling hardware, tooling, and control systems

We especially support founders moving from lab-to-market who need commercialization strategies, validation partners, and pilot opportunities.

What Startups Receive

Expert Mentorship – Technologists, investors, and commercialization advisors
Infrastructure Access – Emerging testbeds, pilot environments, and quantum infrastructure
Strategic Connections – Corporate, research, and national lab partnerships
Funding Support – Investor readiness and fundraising strategy
Visibility – Demo days, storytelling, and ecosystem introductions

Our goal is to help quantum startups move faster, more confidently, and with a clearer path to market, all while anchoring breakthroughs in Chattanooga.

Our Impact

Quantum and deep-tech startups engaged through programming and events
Active collaborations with EPB, TVA, UTC, ORNL, IonQ, and others
Multiple pilots and proofs-of-concept underway in grid, mobility, sensing, and security
Co-recipient of NSF grant for grid security using quantum
LaunchTN grant recipient for quantum commercialization across Tennessee

Ready to be part of that impact? Apply for the CO.LAB Quantum Accelerator.

Apply Now

Ready to join us?

Get Involved with CO.LAB

We’ve got opportunities for startups and partners to help build the future today.

Startups & Researchers

Building in quantum? Apply to the Quantum Tech Accelerator or request a discovery conversation.

Corporate & Utility Partners

Explore pilots, challenge statements, and collaboration opportunities.

Investors & Ecosystem Partners

Work with us to identify promising companies and accelerate commercialization.

Ready to get started?

Partnership Opportunities
Explore the Accelerator

CO.LAB is betting on Quantum