Chattanooga Opens 12-Month Accelerator for Quantum Startups
The Company Lab, a Chattanooga accelerator known as CO.LAB, has opened applications for CO.LAB Q. This 12-month program, launching in November 2026, is designed for quantum startups and research teams. Described as a commercialization studio, it offers access to quantum hardware, technical mentors, potential customers, and capital connections.
Program offerings and named partners
According to the August 16 report, CO.LAB Q is seeking teams focused on quantum computing, networking, cybersecurity, encryption, sensing, and control hardware, as well as applications in energy, mobility, logistics, and defense. Specifically, the accelerator states that it will create an individualized roadmap for each company based on its technology and market readiness. Participants will advance by producing commercial evidence, with support including customer problem validation, pilot design, and investor connections.
Several partners are partaking. Quantinuum, as Founding Compute Partner, will provide startups with access to its trapped-ion systems, Nexus cloud platform, and Guppy programming language. Davidson Technologies is the Founding Defense Track Sponsor, offering its quantum laboratory and guidance on defense contracting avenues such as SBIR/STTR and the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program.
Meanwhile, EPB Quantum, which operates the EPB Quantum Center in Chattanooga, will facilitate network access. Middle Tennessee Electric joins as Founding Utility Partner, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the academic partner. The specific dollar value of these commitments, equity terms, or the number of startups each partner will work with remain unspecified.
The Chattanooga context
The program leverages an existing regional cluster. Chattanooga is home to the EPB Quantum Center, which its operator claims is the first commercial quantum computing and networking hub in the U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Vanderbilt University, and IonQ are all within reach. CO.LAB also signed a memorandum of understanding with ORNL in 2026 to enhance access to researchers and facilities.
Tasia Malakasis, CEO of The Company Lab, explained the specific need the studio aims to address:
“Quantum startups require specialized care because the path from scientific breakthrough to commercial success is unusually complex. They need access to advanced infrastructure, technical experts, customers with consequential problems, partners willing to test solutions, and investors who understand deep technology.”
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis via thecompanylab.org/quantum. CO.LAB Q currently represents an open call, supported by named partners and regional infrastructure. The tangible results, including the number of enrolled teams and their achievements, will become apparent after the program’s November start.