EPB Quantum Network℠, powered by Qubitekk, is hosting Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) first commercial quantum network run. ORNL is testing its Automatic Polarization Compensation (APC) technology, which helps maintain the integrity of quantum data transmission by compensating for environmental disruptions like temperature fluctuations. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is also participating, becoming the first U.S. university with a permanent connection to a commercial quantum network.

APC is essential for reliable quantum communication and is being trialed on EPB’s network, utilizing UTC’s node for real-world testing. ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer emphasized the importance of this partnership for validating lab-developed technologies on commercial networks.

EPB Quantum Network, a commercially available quantum infrastructure, was designed to accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from research to market. EPB’s CEO David Wade highlighted the significance of this collaboration in proving the viability of such technologies for broader use.

Qubitekk, which provides the hardware for EPB’s network, specializes in entanglement-based quantum technologies. This collaboration between EPB, ORNL, and UTC aligns with broader efforts to commercialize quantum technologies and advance research in fields like communications, cybersecurity, and smart grid management.

Additional details can be found in a press release posted on the EPB website here.

September 11, 2024