This story was originally published on December 4, 2025 and has been updated to reflect the July 2026 National Science Foundation announcement, as well as to include additional relevant stories.<\/em><\/p>\n\t At one time, artificial intelligence, video calls, and even automobiles lived in the realm of science fiction – yet with bold vision and innovation, the world’s greatest minds made these inventions real. Today, the word “quantum” may evoke images of the future, but at UConn, quantum is already here.<\/p>\n Scientists at UConn are on the forefront of the second quantum revolution, uncovering how to leverage the science of quantum physics to create new technologies in computing, sensing, communication, and simulation to solve the most complex problems facing our society.<\/p>\n In July 2026, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that UConn will lead the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut (QuantumCT), which aims to advance American quantum innovation, accelerate workforce readiness in quantum and quantum-adjacent technologies, and secure the domestic quantum supply chain through commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology, and financial services.<\/p>\n The Engine – a partnership with Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, ConnCORP, CT Innovations, and the State of Connecticut – will advance quantum sensing, secured communications, computing, and materials through innovation, applied research leading to new technologies, support for inventors and entrepreneurs, and workforce development.<\/p>\n The QuantumCT Engine team will initially receive a two-year, $15 million award. The funds will support the Engine’s technology translation, workforce development, and incubator operations. The funds will also facilitate industry and community engagement to deliver broad societal benefits. By demonstrating sufficient progress, the QuantumCT Engine has the potential to receive $160 million from NSF over the next decade. <\/p>\n Quantum physics (also known as mechanics) describes the smallest, most fundamental things in our universe, such as subatomic particles. Researchers theorize that particles in the quantum world act differently than in classical physics. Instead of binary yes\/no answers, there are many possibilities of how particles will react when faced with barriers and other variables.<\/p>\n “In the quantum world, rules on what is possible are drastically different from our everyday expectations,” explains UConn theoretical physics professor Alexander Balatsky.<\/p>\n UConn’s work in this space goes back decades, and dozens of researchers across the University are advancing quantum technology to open the doors to personalized medicine and imaging, ultra-precise navigation, unbreakable data security, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t