Tennessee’s $43 million QUBIT grant for quantum networking and testbeds: applications close on 23 October 2026

Tennessee’s $43 million QUBIT grant for quantum networking and testbeds: applications close on 23 October 2026

2 October 2026 — The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) launched the Quantum Utilization Buildout Infrastructure and Technology (QUBIT) Grant Program on 14 September 2026, with $43 million from the state's 2026 budget. Applications are open until 23 October 2026.

Not yet independently verified. This rests on TNECD’s own announcement; it gives no time of day or time zone for the deadline, and the programme guidelines on its site were not read in full. No independent report was checked. We will update this when it can be confirmed, and remove this note.

What it funds

Shared quantum infrastructure in the state, including:

• quantum networking;
• cloud access to quantum computing;
• open-access testbeds;
• quantum sensing and secure communications;
• cybersecurity and interoperability infrastructure.

Who can apply

Lead applicants must be Tennessee public or private non-profit higher-education institutions, development districts, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or public utilities. They may lead consortia that include for-profit companies. An applicant webinar was held on 29 September.

Who should act

• Quantum hardware, networking and software companies: the route in is as a consortium partner. Contact Tennessee universities, ORNL or utilities this month.
• Cybersecurity vendors working on post-quantum and quantum-safe communications: secure-communications infrastructure is named, and testbeds are where products get validated.
• Companies considering a Tennessee presence: shared testbeds funded by the state lower the cost of early experiments.
• Utilities and network operators in the state: public utilities can lead applications, so a utility with fibre assets can anchor a consortium for a quantum network or secure-communications testbed.

What to do

Read the guidelines on TNECD's site, agree consortium roles and budgets with a lead applicant, and make sure the lead files by 23 October.

Sources

• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: TNECD announces launch of QUBIT grant program — 14 September 2026