A proposal from Connecticut's public-private quantum research initiative, QuantumCT, which is co-led by University of Connecticut (UConn) and Yale University, is a finalist for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. Administered through the Regional Innovations Engines program, the grant has the potential to transform the state's economy and capacity for technological advancement.
Fifteen finalists were announced on Thursday, Sept. 18, and included QuantumCT's proposal, "NSF Engine: Advancing Quantum Technologies (QuantumCT)."
The winning proposals will receive an initial two-year NSF grant of up to $15 million and will be eligible for funding for an additional eight years, for a total maximum award of $160 million over 10 years. NSF previously awarded the QuantumCT initiative a $1 million development grant through UConn, which launched numerous related projects now underway at UConn, Yale, and throughout Connecticut.
"This recognition affirms the promise of QuantumCT to accelerate breakthroughs that will shape our state, region, and country's scientific and economic future," said Yale President Maurie McInnis. "An award of this scale would strengthen Connecticut's leadership as a hub for discovery and knowledge exchange, advancing real-world innovation and discovery that improves lives. Together, Yale, UConn, and partners across the state are working to ensure that our nation will lead and benefit from the quantum revolution."
"We are thrilled that NSF has named QuantumCT as a finalist for this award," added Michael Crair, Yale's vice provost for research. "This recognition is a testament to the strength of our collaboration and the transformative potential of quantum technologies to drive scientific discovery, economic growth locally and nationally, and tangible solutions that improve lives and benefit our communities. Yale is proud to be a partner with UConn and our regional collaborators in QuantumCT, which is positioning Connecticut at the forefront of this emerging technology domain."
"The NSF has recognized the tremendous potential that QuantumCT presents to Connecticut, the region, and the country," said Pamir Alpay, UConn's vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship and the principal investigator on the proposal. "We are already seeing great collaboration among UConn, Yale, and our vast network of partners who are working together to establish the state as the nation's leading quantum accelerator. Our status as a finalist underscores our efforts and the expertise of the many involved in pushing the initiative forward."
UConn and Yale co-lead QuantumCT, which focuses on projects to build Connecticut into the nation's leading accelerator of quantum technology. These technologies are poised to influence hundreds of applications, such as smartphones, navigation systems, advanced computers, and hundreds of other products and services, impacting many of Connecticut's key manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure industries. QuantumCT engages industry in applying quantum technologies that will support their success, helps translate research discoveries into useful products, and facilitates workforce programming that will ready Connecticut residents to benefit from a quantum workforce, opening up opportunities to individuals at all skill levels.
"Quantum technologies are set to revolutionize Connecticut's workforce by creating a demand for new, specialized skills and fostering lucrative careers across diverse industries including aerospace, biotech, and finance," said co-principal investigator Christine Broadbridge, the executive director for research and innovation at Southern Connecticut State University.
Partners of the initiative include the Governor's office, the cities of Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.
Innovation and venture partners, including Connecticut Innovations, CT Next, Advance CT, Yale Ventures, and UConn's Technology Innovation Program, are working together to ensure that emerging quantum technologies are quickly transferred to real-world applications.
"Connecticut is quantum-ready," said Albert M. Green, president and CEO of QuantumCT. "We are anchored by dense industry clusters in life sciences, insurance, aerospace, and defense where quantum will have near-term impact. These strengths are reinforced by a dynamic workforce and consistently high STEM graduation rates, which demonstrate a sustainable talent pipeline for the future."
In July, the NSF announced UConn's and Yale's QuantumCT proposal as one of 29 semifinalists, narrowed from a field of 71 proposals, which were advanced from an initial 294 submissions expressing interest. The winning proposals are expected to be announced early in 2026.
"Quantum has a chance to really thrive in Connecticut," said UConn President Radenka Maric. "We have extensive industrial and commercial infrastructure already in place, along with a vibrant educational corridor of universities, experts, and students ready to translate promising research into applicable technologies. I am delighted that the NSF has selected QuantumCT as a finalist and look forward to the next steps for UConn, Yale, and our state as a whole."
