After four years of close collaboration and sustained effort, UConn and its QuantumCT partners are heralding a key milestone in Connecticut\u2019s emergence as a \u201ccapital for quantum.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, state officials and partners of the QuantumCT Engine gathered at UConn Hartford to celebrate the award of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine. Earlier this week, the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut was one of 12 teams nationwide to receive an NSF Engines award, which could total $160 million over a 10-year period.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am really proud of the team here. There were [more than] 250 applications for this and here is Connecticut standing,\u201d said Government Ned Lamont, continuing, \u201cThis is how Connecticut stays ahead of the curve. We have always been one of the most innovative economies, and to keep our industries ahead of the curve, this is what have we to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
UConn, the awardee, partnered with Yale, Southern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, ConnCORP, CT Innovations, industry leaders, nonprofit and educational institutions, and the state on the proposal. The Engines award positions Connecticut as a leader in American quantum innovation, securing the domestic quantum supply chain by accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology, and financial services. Through innovation, applied research leading to new technologies, support for inventors and entrepreneurs, and workforce development, the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine is advancing quantum sensing, secured communications, computing, and advanced materials through applied research, shared testbed, deep-tech incubator, and translation pathways.<\/p>\n
\nThis is how Connecticut stays ahead of the curve. We have always been one of the most innovative economies, and to keep our industries ahead of the curve, this is what have we to do. — Government Ned Lamont<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The QuantumCT Engine was the only quantum-related proposal to receive an NSF Engines award. Connecticut is on a transformative path as the state economy embraces the potential of quantum technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe competition among states for quantum leadership is fierce. And now Connecticut has entered the competition. And as all of you know, Huskies play to win,\u201d said UConn President Radenka Maric.<\/p>\n
By conservative estimates, quantum is expected to generate between $450 and $800 billion over the next 15 years. Applications are numerous across industries including advanced manufacturing, national security, finance, medicine and healthcare, and pharmaceuticals \u2013 all of which are critical to Connecticut’s economy. Leaders from several of the state\u2019s top companies, including Travelers, General Dynamic-Electric Boat, RTX, Biohaven, and Boehringer-Ingelheim, were on hand on Wednesday to celebrate the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this grant, Connecticut has an opportunity to establish itself as a leader in quantum technologies and their real-world applications,\u201d said Carine Boustany, senior vice president at Boehringer-Ingelheim. \u201cIt is an exciting example of how our state is investing in the future and creating an environment where breakthrough innovation can thrive.”<\/p>\n
Connecticut Commissioner of Department of Economic and Community Development Dan O\u2019Keefe has championed the QuantumCT Engine from the start.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a right to win here. I am just so incredibly proud of how we all came out. We showed one Connecticut. QuantumCT is more than just a public-private pipeline. QuantumCT is representative of how it works when we all come together and compete to win,\u201d O\u2019Keefe said.<\/p>\n