Tennessee Tech to Build Quantum Testbed by 2028
Researchers plan to connect Crossville and Cookeville with a quantum communications network using federal grant funding.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Tennessee Tech University will develop a regional quantum communications testbed between Crossville and Cookeville by September 2028. The initiative aims to research real-world quantum entanglement and information distribution.
Why it matters
The project enables researchers to evaluate how particles share correlations across distance under actual network conditions. It also offers students essential hands-on experience with specialized quantum technology equipment.
The testbed project is supported by a $2.1 million award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Researchers will focus on entangling particles to share correlations across a network connecting Crossville and Cookeville.
The players
Muhammad Ismail
Muhammad Ismail is the principal investigator leading the quantum communications research project at Tennessee Tech University.
Anthony Skjellum
Anthony Skjellum serves as the co-principal investigator for the development of the new regional quantum testbed.
The details
The project will allow the university to evaluate how quantum information is distributed and measured across a regional span. Researchers will utilize this infrastructure to observe quantum entanglement in a real-world environment.
Timeline
The university plans to complete the quantum testbed project in September 2028.
The Tech Race
This project aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology quantum research initiatives by pushing networking capabilities outside of a controlled laboratory. It marks a shift toward building the regional infrastructure necessary to support future quantum communication technologies.
This testbed serves as a foundational step toward more secure and faster communication networks that may eventually redefine how data is transmitted. For students and researchers in Tennessee, the project provides immediate access to specialized equipment and advanced technical training.
The takeaway
The development of this network highlights a significant push to transition quantum communication from theory to practical application. By testing entanglement across physical distances, the university is helping establish the framework for future high-speed communications.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WATE 6 On Your Side.
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