Dr. Rick Mukherjee is the inaugural director of the Quantum Center. Photo by Angela Foster.
On April 14, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will join the global celebration of quantum science as part of World Quantum Day 2026, an annual event that promotes awareness and understanding of the field.
UTC Quantum Center Director Rick Mukherjee explained that this is a day to educate interested parties on a budding industry. As a part of the day’s activities, UTC will host a STEM Open House for local high school students. A UTC Research Institute blog post was also released today to help better understand why quantum technologies matter and how UTC is positioned to lead in this space.
“We want Chattanooga and the broader community to know about the quantum activities happening at UTC—both in terms of education and cutting-edge research,” Mukherjee said. “World Quantum Day gives us a meaningful opportunity to engage the public and share why this field matters.”
As part of the day’s activities, local high school students will be taken on a tour of the Quantum Center.
“Students will tour our labs and see how quantum connects across disciplines—from physics and chemistry to mathematics and biology,” Mukherjee said. “Faculty from across the University are involved, highlighting that this work extends well beyond just the Department of Physics and the Quantum Center.
“Our goal is to spark curiosity—first in science broadly, and then in quantum specifically. We want students to see what’s possible and be excited about the work happening at the UTC Quantum Center.”
Students will be greeted by Professor Keenan Dungey, head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. They will then attend presentations from Department of Mathematics Head Chris Cox and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Yu Liang.
Later, students will hear about different professional pathways from Dungey, Cox and UC Foundation Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Mengjun Xie.
Mukherjee stressed the importance of having different departments represented on World Quantum Day because quantum technologies will affect many industries and this exposure will help prepare students for the future.
“Quantum will impact nearly every industry—health care, finance, logistics, insurance and more–and students need to understand how this technology will shape the future and how to be prepared for it,” he said. “We would welcome students to join the physics program and go deep into quantum, but the future of this field also depends on talent from across disciplines.”
In response to the need for diverse expertise, the University created a Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) certificate and is working on additional support.
“UTC is building pathways at every level—from our existing undergraduate programs to future graduate and Ph.D. programs–so students can engage with quantum regardless of their major,” he said. “Our goal is to make quantum education accessible and relevant across disciplines.
“This isn’t limited to students enrolled at UTC. We’re also developing opportunities for working professionals—similar to what we have done with Volkswagen and EPB—to build quantum knowledge and skills. We’re committed to raising quantum literacy and quantum awareness across Chattanooga.”
Mukherjee cited a McKinsey & Company study that forecasted the quantum sector as a trillion-dollar industry and compared it to the artificial intelligence boom, saying, “We want to ensure our region is prepared to lead, not react, to what’s coming next.”
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi said World Quantum Day represents more than just a milestone; it represents a bold vision for the UTC campus.
“World Quantum Day highlight’s UTC’s long-term commitment to leadership in this space,” Sartipi said. “Through strategic early investment, the creation of our center and the recruitment of exceptional faculty, researchers and students across disciplines, we have built a thriving quantum ecosystem. Spanning research, education and industry engagement, our efforts position us as a leader in shaping the future of quantum innovation.”
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Why quantum? Why now? And why UTC?
