QuantumCT Wins $15M NSF Award 

Connecticut’s effort to develop a quantum economy received a major boost this week. 

QuantumCT—the public-private partnership leading Connecticut’s quantum technology efforts—was named one of 12 winners nationwide in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition. 

The award provides an initial $15 million over two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over the next decade. 

The initiative—led by Yale University and the University of Connecticut—aims to establish the state as a leader in developing quantum technologies for real-world applications. 

The public-private partnership also includes research institutions, private industry, government agencies, workforce boards, and other organizations including CBIA.     

National Leader

“Connecticut is the nation’s leading state for quantum technology adoption,” said UConn provost Pamir Alpay. 

“The award recognizes our team’s success in establishing partnerships with industry to accelerate quantum technologies and build a quantum-ready workforce.” 

The initial $15 million in funding will be used to support technology translation, workforce development, and the operation of a new incubator in New Haven.  

“NSF has recognized the scale of the QuantumCT Engine’s ambition and its potential to accelerate the quantum revolution for our state.”

Yale University’s Maurie McInnis

The incubator—based on Yale’s campus—is designed to support the commercialization of quantum technologies. 

QuantumCT will qualify for the additional funding if it meets performance benchmarks. 

“With this transformative award, NSF has recognized the scale of the QuantumCT Engine’s ambition and its potential to accelerate the quantum revolution for our state, region, and the U.S. as a whole,” said Yale University president Maurie McInnis. 

“I am so proud of this effort to develop real-world solutions that enrich our communities and of the spirit of collaboration that it represents.”  

State Investment

QuantumCT was selected as one of 15 finalists last year out of nearly 300 applicants for the NSF funding.

The federal award builds on significant state investment in Connecticut’s quantum technology ecosystem. 

The Lamont administration has said a quantum economy is key to strengthening Connecticut’s workforce and driving innovation in core industries like manufacturing, bioscience, finance, and insurance. 

“Our pioneering research and advanced application pipeline helped set us apart.”

Gov. Ned Lamont

In November, the administration pledged up to $121 million to expand quantum infrastructure, workforce development, and research capacity. 

That includes $60 million already invested and an additional $60 million upon receiving the NSF award. 

“Our pioneering research and advanced application pipeline helped set us apart from the competition,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. 

“These federal funds, combined with state investment, will accelerate Connecticut’s progress in quantum technology and help establish our state as a national and global leader in this field.” 

Investing in Innovation

NSF previously awarded QuantumCT a $1 million development grant through UConn, which launched a number of projects at UConn, Yale, and across Connecticut. 

QuantumCT estimates quantum technology industries will grow to $200 billion by 2040. 

Officials said Connecticut companies adopting quantum technologies support more than 270,000 jobs statewide. 

“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” said NSF’s Brian Stone.