On April 9, leaders from government, industry and academia gathered at the Grand Hyatt Nashville with a shared goal: to better understand a technology听quickly moving from theory to real-world application and to position Tennessee at the center听of it.听
Vanderbilt University hosted the听, bringing together nationally recognized leaders to explore how quantum technologies are beginning to shape sectors ranging from energy and security to health听care and economic competitiveness鈥攁nd what it will take to ensure workforce readiness as the field grows.听
Growing momentum for quantum and for Tennessee
The forum centered on a clear theme: Quantum is moving out of the lab and into practical use, and regions that connect research, industry and workforce development will be best positioned to lead. Tennessee is already building that foundation.听
From Oak Ridge National Laboratory鈥檚 research capabilities to EPB鈥檚 quantum network in Chattanooga and new state-level investments, the pieces of a broader ecosystem are coming together.听
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton pointed to the state鈥檚 opportunity to lead on a larger stage.听
鈥淚 think Tennessee is the perfect place for quantum,鈥� Sexton said,听鈥渨hen you have a low-cost-of-living state, a low-regulation environment and one that wants to allow businesses to thrive and grow.鈥�听
Vanderbilt鈥檚 role:听Connecting research to impact
Throughout the forum, Vanderbilt鈥檚 role as a facilitator and connector was clear. The university continues to bring together perspectives that might not otherwise intersect, helping move complex ideas toward real-world听applications.
Vanderbilt University听Chancellor Daniel听Diermeier听highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and disciplines, emphasizing that innovation depends on partnerships that extend beyond any single institution.听
That approach is reflected in the planned听,听a collaboration between Vanderbilt University and EPB Chattanooga听designed to connect research,听commercialization听and workforce development.听
The institute will serve as a hub for advancing quantum research while听preparing the workforce of the future by听creating new pathways for students, industry听leaders听and policymakers to engage with the technology.听
From theory to application
Throughout the day, speakers returned to a consistent听message:听The conversation around quantum is shifting from theory to application.听
Industry leaders described how organizations are already testing quantum-enabled solutions, from听optimizing听logistics听and energy systems to accelerating drug discovery and strengthening cybersecurity.听
For many, the value lies in understanding how听the technology听can be applied rather than mastering the underlying science.听
鈥淲e don鈥檛听all听have to be听experts in quantum physics to use quantum,鈥� said Krish Roy,听Bruce and Bridgitt听Evans听Dean of Engineering at Vanderbilt University.听
Josh Brown, president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of translating that potential into听real business听outcomes.听
鈥淚 don鈥檛 think companies really understand how quantum can impact their operations,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭he best thing they can do right now is start to define those use cases.鈥�听
Building a workforce and a shared understanding
A major focus of the forum was preparing the workforce needed to support the next phase of quantum development, with speakers noting听that while scientific expertise will remain essential, many roles in the quantum ecosystem will require skills in engineering, computing, manufacturing and applied problem-solving.听
That broader workforce approach aligns with Vanderbilt鈥檚 efforts to connect education,听research听and community engagement, ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies extend beyond the lab.听
It also reflects the importance of accessibility, with leaders emphasizing that quantum will touch a wide range of industries and career paths.听
A statewide听and national opportunity
Leaders also highlighted the importance of collaboration beyond a single city or institution.听
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly pointed to how early investments in infrastructure created new opportunities for the region and how quantum could play a similar role moving forward.听
鈥淚 really do think it鈥檚 Chattanooga鈥檚 ticket to break into the knowledge economy and build our economy around it,鈥� Kelly said.听
That momentum, speakers noted, will depend on continued coordination across universities, industry听partners听and policymakers within Tennessee and across the country.听
Continuing the conversation
The听day听marked the beginning of a broader, ongoing conversation about how quantum will influence the future of research,听industry听and economic development.听
To watch the full program,听.听
