Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory go beyond breakthroughs to bring quantum innovation into the real world. Here are four ways ORNL-developed quantum technologies support industry.
1. Healthcare
Quantum technology can help hospitals manage complex logistics, getting life-sustaining equipment to the patients and doctors who need it most.
Quantum computing can speed up medical research, especially when paired with high performance computing. A classical computer, even a super-fast one like ORNL's Frontier, might not be the best fit for some complex problems. Quantum computing can help doctors and scientists answer big questions, by modeling molecular interactions to speed up drug discovery or individualize patient treatments, for instance.
The future of medical research might be possible thanks to ORNL researchers, who used quantum technology to develop a microscope capable of capturing more precise images and measurements - down to the nanoscale. By combining the study of light, or quantum optics, with microscopes capable of very tiny measurements at the atomic scale, researchers can better understand nanomaterials and biomolecular structures, leading to new insights for delivering cancer-fighting drugs directly to the cells that need it.
2. Communications
Much like your cell phone was a leap from a phone attached to the kitchen wall, quantum technology allows for new possibilities in sharing information over huge distances.
Think of how quickly a stone can skip across water. Now imagine that stone is information: ORNL researchers have developed a multihop quantum network that integrates with existing, fiber-optic infrastructure. The combined design enables information to travel faster by jumping from node to node using today's internet infrastructure.
Remember how fast a dial-up internet connection was in the 1990s, and how slow it feels now? Quantum internet could make us feel the same way about current internet speeds.
In 2025, ORNL partnered with power and telecom utility EPB of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, to demonstrate the first transmission of an entangled quantum signal over a commercial internet network without interruptions. Researchers used different wavelengths of light to send information and developed a system to keep the light stable, with no downtime. This is a key step in designing and launching a quantum internet, which builds new functionality on the existing, classical internet.
3. Cybersecurity
Quantum has big implications for cybersecurity, too.
Quantum keys distribution systems , or QKD, are virtually invulnerable to cyberattacks. This technology can keep the electric grid safe from hackers or your banking information secure from ransomware attacks.
Random number generators can be hacked by a classical computer-but by using quantum technology, a random number generator becomes truly random. QRYPT Inc. uses ORNL quantum technology known as QRNG to strengthen its encryption platform and defend against cyberattacks.
4. Entrepreneurship
While ORNL has worked in quantum science for decades, it also supports scientists to become entrepreneurs of early-stage companies like AtomQ. AtomQ, a member of Innovation Crossroads , began with quantum scientist Kevin Roccapriore . Roccapriore moved his research out of the lab and into a startup aiming to build a scalable atomic quantum computer.
As scientific discoveries happen and capabilities grow, quantum technologies will have a revolutionary impact on new information about materials for science and industry. That means big changes to benefit you-advances in quantum science and technology can optimize complex logistical challenges, offer new frontiers in communications and healthcare, and enhance energy security.
Quantum in the real world happens when ORNL connects industry, government, academia and cutting-edge quantum research and development.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE's Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit energy.gov/science . - Brynn Downing
