Connecticut’s statewide quantum computing project has been chosen to receive a $15 million, two-year National Science Foundation grant award.
The multi-year process, called Regional Innovation Engines, picked Connecticut’s QuantumCT Engine as one of 12 winners around the country. By demonstrating sufficient progress, the project now has the potential to receive $160 million from NSF over the next decade.
The win comes three years after Connecticut was awarded an initial $1 million development grant from the NSF.
“The award recognizes our team’s success in establishing partnerships with industry to accelerate quantum technologies and build a quantum-ready workforce,” UConn’s Provost Pamir Alpay said. Alpay is principal investigator on the NSF-funded proposal.
Connecticut’s project is led by the University of Connecticut in partnership with Yale University, and also includes Southern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, ConnCORP and CT Innovations.
It aims to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies specifically for national defense, biotechnology and financial services.
QuantumCT, a standalone nonprofit organization, was founded by UConn and Yale as part of the NSF Engine Development Award to support applied research, help companies explore quantum applications, generate startups and create workforce development programs.
The organization’s first CEO, Albert Green moved on from his position in April after a year in the post. The nonprofit is currently led by interim CEO Vivek Ramakrishnan, also the organization’s senior director of technology.
The board has engaged with Connecticut Innovations in a new CEO search process.
The state of Connecticut last year pledged $121 million to QuantumCT. Some $60 million has already been invested since the announcement. The NSF win makes the project eligible for the additional $60 million in state money. This state support is helping to build a quantum incubator in New Haven, among other initiatives.
QuantumCT says the NSF funds will support technology translation, workforce development and incubator operations, as well as facilitating industry and community engagement.
“This award application process was highly competitive, and it’s a huge win for Connecticut,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “Our pioneering research and advanced application pipeline helped set us apart from the competition.”
