IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) will establish a dedicated next-generation quantum communication research and development (R&D) center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. The company plans to invest $15 million over the next five years to accelerate the commercialization of the quantum internet and to build the world's first quantum communication research laboratory directly connected to an active optical communication network.

On the 3rd (local time), IonQ announced that it will establish the 'Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center' in partnership with local energy and telecommunications company EPB. The center is scheduled to officially launch on the 4th (local time).

World's First Quantum Communication R&D Based on an Active Optical Network

The most significant aspect of this research center is that it will serve as a next-generation quantum communication R&D innovation lab directly connected to an operational optical communication network. IonQ researchers will be stationed on-site and plan to conduct research by deploying the world's first commercial quantum memory on an active communication network.

Quantum memory is a core technology that stores and processes quantum information over fiber optic networks. It enables the stable sharing of information between quantum computers and quantum networks even over long distances, and is considered an essential component for building future commercial quantum networks.

Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, stated, "Connecting quantum computers in different regions and directly linking them to end users forms the foundation for the various applications that quantum communication can offer." He emphasized, "Conducting quantum memory research on an active optical network will accelerate the commercialization of the quantum internet and contribute to economic growth and job creation."

$15 Million Investment... Expected to Create Around 20 Jobs

IonQ will invest a total of $15 million over the next five years in this project. The company aims to attract world-class quantum memory experts to Chattanooga and foster a local talent ecosystem. Both parties projected that the research center will create approximately 20 jobs, including research staff and trainees, and generate an economic ripple effect two to three times the size of the investment in the Tennessee region.

EPB will provide its active optical communication network as a research testbed and serve as a commercialization partner to apply research outcomes in both public and private sectors. Based on this research center, the two companies also plan to build a quantum network connecting quantum computers, research facilities, and commercial quantum infrastructure.

Inder Singh, COO and CFO of IonQ, said, "This collaboration demonstrates a joint commitment to translating quantum technology innovations into real economic and commercial value," adding, "It is meaningful to be able to create new growth opportunities for the development of quantum communication as well as for Chattanooga and the Tennessee region alongside EPB."

Regional and Federal Officials Unite in Calling It an "Exemplary Case of Innovation"

Tennessee Lieutenant Governor and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Stuart C. McWhorter evaluated, "Regions that can connect research, industry, and infrastructure will lead the future economy," calling the partnership between IonQ and EPB "a representative example of innovation that combines a global enterprise with cutting-edge infrastructure to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation technology."

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly stated, "IonQ's $15 million investment is a historic turning point that establishes the nation's first quantum communication R&D center in Chattanooga," adding, "Through this project, Chattanooga will position itself as a city leading the quantum economy era." Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp also commented, "This investment is another vote of confidence that our region is growing as a hub for quantum technology," and pledged to "actively foster talent to lead the future quantum industry through collaboration between educational institutions and industry."

Incoming EPB CEO Janet Rehberg said, "EPB has utilized advanced technologies for community development, from building America's first community-wide gigabit optical network to supporting the commercialization of quantum computing," adding, "Together with IonQ, we will build a practical quantum networking environment and bring world-class quantum memory technology to Chattanooga."

Expanded Collaboration Based on EPB Quantum Center... Regional Economic Impact of Up to $1.1 Billion

This research center is a project that expands the existing collaboration between the two companies at the EPB Quantum Center. The EPB Quantum Center currently houses the IonQ-supported EPB Quantum Network® and the IonQ Forte Enterprise quantum computer, which is being prepared for commercial service. EPB currently operates the only facility in the United States that simultaneously offers commercial quantum networking and quantum computing services.

According to research by Dr. Bento Lobo of the Center for Economic Research at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, EPB's quantum infrastructure is projected to generate an economic impact of up to $1.1 billion for the local community over the next 10 years.

IonQ is also continually expanding its collaboration with universities and research institutions in the Tennessee region. Notably, in collaboration with Ansys, it announced achievements in the field of life sciences medical device design where quantum computing surpassed traditional classical computing. This technology was reportedly achieved by implementing quantum optimization technology developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee on an IonQ quantum computer.

['Seohak!Star' is an overseas stock content, including U.S. stocks, provided by CBC News. We will strive to provide our readers with a wide range of information in the future. Please note that all investments are made at the discretion of each individual, and the ultimate responsibility lies with the investor.]