The 2026 Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit took place in Chattanooga on May 28-29, focusing on regional workforce development, quantum technology, and economic growth.
Chancellor Lori Bruce of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) delivered the opening presentation, welcoming attendees and acknowledging long-term supporters of the university. She emphasized UTC’s commitment to preparing professionals for relevant industries.
“We believe public universities have a central role to play in preparing the workforce, advancing innovation and helping this region compete in a rapidly changing economy,” Bruce stated. She noted that UTC has over 12,000 students, including more than 500 doctoral students, highlighting the strength of its educational and research programs.
Bruce identified several key research areas at UTC, including urban infrastructure, biomedical innovation, nanoengineering, cybersecurity, machine learning, and quantum technologies, stating that these fields are seeing unprecedented activity.
“Strong, long-term partnerships enable us to move innovation beyond theory and into real-world application,” Bruce mentioned. She highlighted UTC’s collaboration with EPB in Chattanooga, noting that the university became the first American institution to host a permanent connection to a commercially available quantum network, with a node on campus.
UT System President Randy Boyd discussed the practical applications of research conducted in collaboration with EPB. “The partnership with EPB is applied. They’re actually learning to solve real-world problems,” Boyd said.
Dr. Rick Mukherjee, director of the UTC Quantum Center, participated in a panel titled “Leveraging Tennessee’s Quantum Initiative.” He stated that translating fundamental research into solutions for real-world challenges is a key principle of the Quantum Center’s mission.
Mukherjee described UTC’s position in Tennessee as unique, given the state’s commitment to quantum development. He stated that he has met with over 20 companies to discuss the impact of quantum technology on various sectors.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi emphasized the importance of collaboration during the summit. “Quantum innovation depends on collaboration, especially with industry partners,” Sartipi said, noting that the conference showcased UTC’s growth and commitment to innovation.
The Quantum Center currently houses more than 25 researchers. Sartipi remarked on the notable contributions of the Quantum Center team in advancing quantum research and infrastructure.
Bruce reiterated UTC’s commitment to growth as part of supporting industries in Tennessee. “When we attract students to UTC, they become the talent pipeline for you—the industry sectors that make up the economic engine of the TVC,” she concluded.
Source: blog.utc.edu via Google News.
