If you're anything like us, when news broke last week that EPB is partnering with Qubitekk to launch America’s first industry-led, commercially available quantum network, you probably felt a lot like this. 👇

How we felt when we were reading about quantum technology. | Gif via Giphy

And that's exactly how we asked EPB's VP of Strategic Communications, J.Ed. Marston, to explain it to us — in layman's terms.

What is a quantum network?

According to J.Ed., it can be explained like this: there are some problems that would take your average computer decades to solve that a quantum computer could solve in, say, an afternoon. It's an exponential leap in the potential for computing that can aid in a variety of fields — from cybersecurity to finance.

What's the science behind it?

In a simplified understanding, computers rely on bits of information that are essentially on/off switches on a circuit.

These bits of information, in quantum networking, are called qubits. Through a quantum mechanical feature, these atomic particles can become entangled such that they are basically twins, and they'll remain twins no matter how much distance separates them. Something that affects one will instantly affect the other.

The features of these qubits open up a whole new dynamic for amounts of encoded information, as well as new possibilities for what they can be used for.

What does this mean for the average Chattanoogan?

For starters, this technology will place Chattanooga at the forefront of a newly emerging industry — one that billions of dollars are being invested in.

It also means that in the future, Chattanooga will attract all sorts of companies that will be able to bring their tech here, bringing new jobs to the area in turn. The network could also eventually lead to Chattanooga being one of the first communities to offer and utilize quantum projects (such as, at a customer level, incredibly advanced cybersecurity technology).

A timely occurrence

EPB's announcement came during the Quantum World Congress that took place in DC last week — the first-ever gathering of its kind connecting brilliant minds to accelerate the value of the growing quantum industry.

Bonus: The Company Lab's CEO, Tasia Malikasis, represented CO.LAB at the conference.