The National Science Foundation has announced Connecticut's initiative as one of the few finalists for the Engines Program.
The UConn and Yale-led "NSF Engine: Advancing Quantum Technologies (QuantumCT)" proposal is a finalist for a significant National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. Administered through the multibillion-dollar Regional Innovations Engines Program, the grant has the potential to transform the state's economy and capacity for technological advancement.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the NSF announced the finalists for the multibillion-dollar Regional Innovations Engines Program. UConn Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Pamir Alpay was in Washington for the announcement. Nationally, there are 15 finalists remaining.
The winning proposals are expected to be announced early in 2026. The awardees 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.
"The NSF has recognized the tremendous potential that QuantumCT presents to Connecticut, the region, and the country," says Alpay, who is also 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. The list of state partners is expansive and includes a coalition of public, private, and educational institutions, as well as government officials seeking to revolutionize technology and industry.
"We are thrilled that NSF has named QuantumCT as a finalist for this award," says 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."
In July, the NSF announced UConn 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.
As it narrowed the field, the NSF interviewed key personnel, among other measures of review. As a finalist, UConn and Yale will host the NSF at a high-stakes site visit to take place in December.
Transformative Potential
Connecticut's industrial history is characterized by leadership in technology innovation in areas such as aerospace and aviation and national security. Quantum 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 national security, manufacturing, financial, and bio sciences industries.
"Quantum has a chance to really thrive in Connecticut. 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," says UConn President Radenka Maric. "I am delighted that the NSF has selected QuantumCT as a finalist and look forward to the next steps for UConn, Yale, and out state as a whole."
With its versatility and potential to change lives for the better, quantum technology research and development has generated dozens of partners for the initiative. The economic rewards, including workforce development, would be substantial for Connecticut. The economic concept has drawn collaborators that 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.
"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," says co-principal investigator Christine Broadbridge, the Executive Director for Research and Innovation at Southern Connecticut State University.
The QuantumCT program is unique in its broad scope, facilitating multiple entry points into careers in quantum-related industries beyond those available to college-educated STEM majors. It exists to facilitate multiple entry points to careers in quantum-related industries.
"QuantumCT is implementing a multi-faceted approach to prepare Connecticut's workforce for the quantum era, connecting schools, communities, and universities, making quantum science and technology accessible to everyone-fueling innovation and opportunity for all," says Broadbridge.
Innovation and venture partners, including Connecticut Innovations, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, AdvanceCT, 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," say Dr. Albert M. Green, president and CEO of QuantumCT, an innovation-driven nonprofit organization fueled by UConn, Yale, and the State of Connecticut, which supports expanding research and engaging industry in quantum technology applications. "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."
