NSF invests in regional capacity to accelerate quantum-enabled advanced cybersecurity for America's power grid infrastructure

Chattanooga aims to launch a test bed to develop quantum-enabled advanced cybersecurity applications to protect electric grid security

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) announced an investment of $1.3 million to support the development of advanced cybersecurity for municipal power infrastructure in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The one-year planning grant will serve as the foundation for the region to build, deploy and integrate a QuantumGrid Innovation Hub — a quantum computing and networking test bed where startups, researchers and industry can develop quantum applications for electric grid security and related approaches. The development of quantum applications for grid security is of key importance to U.S. national security, infrastructure resilience and global competitiveness.

"NSF continues to prioritize investments in technologies that protect critical infrastructure — specifically, the power grid, which is highly vulnerable to national and international cyberattack," said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for NSF TIP. "Chattanooga is helping lead the charge for the development of critical quantum grid security applications that safeguard America's cities and our national security."

The QuantumGrid Innovation Hub will be built upon an existing quantum network, a smart electric grid and an innovation ecosystem, all based in the Chattanooga region. A coalition of stakeholders, including local infrastructure and government organizations, a nonprofit startup accelerator, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, will collaborate to identify technical barriers and potential solutions, engage startups and industry partners, and launch economic and workforce development activities. Together, these planning activities will culminate in a clear, actionable blueprint for launching the test bed, which is technically grounded and includes a feature set and capabilities that advance a critical application space for U.S. national security, integrating breakthroughs in the energy, quantum and cyber sectors.

About NSF TIP

The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas — accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth, and preparing the American workforce for better-quality, higher-wage jobs. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.