UConn-Led Program, Connecticut Win $15 Million NSF Award To Launch Quantum Technology Innovation Engine

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut and a UConn-led program have been awarded a two-year, $15 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to launch a regional innovation engine aimed at accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies and expanding the state's workforce in the emerging industry.

The NSF announced Tuesday that Connecticut is one of 12 regions selected for its Regional Innovation Engines program, a national initiative designed to strengthen technology hubs focused on critical industries.

The Connecticut-based NSF Quantum Technologies Engine, known as the QuantumCT Engine, is led by the University of Connecticut in partnership with Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, ConnCORP, Connecticut Innovations and the State of Connecticut.

The initial two-year award will fund technology commercialization, workforce development, startup incubator operations and industry engagement. If the initiative meets NSF performance benchmarks, it could receive up to $160 million in federal funding over the next decade.

The initiative is intended to strengthen the domestic quantum technology supply chain while advancing applications in national defense, biotechnology and financial services. Organizers said the effort will support research and commercialization in quantum sensing, secure communications, computing and advanced materials.

"NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America's innovation infrastructure for decades to come," Brian Stone, who is performing the duties of NSF director, said in a statement. "The NSF Quantum Technologies Engine will advance the nation's quantum innovation by accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology and financial services."

State officials said Connecticut's research institutions and existing partnerships with private industry helped distinguish the proposal during a competitive national selection process. The QuantumCT Engine was selected from 15 finalists.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the award will help position Connecticut as a leader in quantum technology while creating jobs and expanding opportunities for workers.

"This investment will help create good jobs and new opportunities for workers across the economy as quantum's impact grows," Lamont said.

The state has pledged $121 million to support the initiative, including $60 million previously invested and an additional $60 million contingent on receiving the NSF award. State funding will help establish a quantum technology incubator in New Haven, which will serve as the engine's hub.

According to project leaders, industries expected to benefit from quantum technologies include aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, finance and insurance. They said quantum technology industries are projected to grow into a $200 billion global market by 2040.

Pamir Alpay, UConn's provost and principal investigator for the NSF proposal, said Connecticut's partnerships with industry have positioned the state as a leader in adopting quantum technologies.

"The award recognizes our team's success in establishing partnerships with industry to accelerate quantum technologies and build a quantum-ready workforce," Alpay said.

The initiative builds on a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award awarded to the partnership in 2023. That funding helped establish QuantumCT, a nonprofit organization founded by UConn and Yale to support applied research, startup development and workforce training.

Industry partners include Quantinuum and D-Wave, which are collaborating with QuantumCT to develop quantum computing testbeds for research and technology development. Other companies participating in applied research projects include RTX, Travelers, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Amphenol and Microsoft.

Southern Connecticut State University will lead workforce development efforts through its Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology, working with higher education institutions and industry partners statewide to prepare students for careers in the growing quantum sector.

Yale University President Maurie McInnis said the federal award recognizes the state's collaborative approach to advancing quantum research and economic development.

"Together with our partners at UConn and across the state, we have been able to drive innovation and unleash economic growth, while fulfilling Yale's vital mission of research and education," McInnis said.