UT Names New Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices

Appointment strengthens research in quantum materials and AI hardware

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:06pm

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has appointed Deep Jariwala as the UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices, starting January 2027. Jariwala will lead research in quantum materials and next-generation microchips, focusing on improving efficiency in AI and electronic systems. His role strengthens collaboration between UT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, supporting research, commercialization, and student development.

Why it matters

The Governor's Chair program aims to attract top researchers to Tennessee and advance cutting-edge fields like quantum science and engineering. Jariwala's expertise in quantum materials and AI hardware will help UT and ORNL push the boundaries of these emerging technologies, with potential applications in computing, sensing, and electronic devices.

The details

As the new UT-ORNL Governor's Chair, Jariwala will establish a new research lab at UT's Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. He will focus on translating quantum materials research into next-generation microchips that can run AI more efficiently. Jariwala plans to involve both undergraduate and graduate students in his work, with the goal of increasing their competitiveness for jobs and graduate programs.

  • Jariwala will officially join UT and ORNL in January 2027.

The players

Deep Jariwala

An accomplished scholar in quantum materials and next-generation electronic devices, who is joining UT as the UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The public research university that has appointed Deep Jariwala to the Governor's Chair position, strengthening its collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

A U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory that is partnering with UT through the Governor's Chair program to advance research and talent development.

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What they’re saying

“Recruiting Governor's Chairs and other preeminent faculty is central to our efforts to elevate the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.”

— Donde Plowman, Chancellor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“I envision a constant exchange of people and information between UT and ORNL. We will leverage the core strengths and facilities of both institutions to open new directions in our research.”

— Deep Jariwala, UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices

What’s next

Jariwala will establish a new research laboratory for material deposition and characterization at UT's Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, located in the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. This will enable closer collaboration between UT and ORNL researchers.

The takeaway

The appointment of Deep Jariwala as the UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices strengthens Tennessee's position as a hub for cutting-edge research in quantum science and engineering, with the potential to drive innovation in AI, computing, and electronic devices.