A recent $1 million federal planning grant will be used to boost quantum-related business in the state.
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) provided the funding to Yale University and the University of Connecticut. The foundation announced the local funding, part of $43 million in NSF Engines Development Awards issued nationwide, on May 11.
The universities indicated they will use the $1 million to develop plans to nurture new quantum-related companies, find ways quantum research can help existing companies, and help prepare residents for jobs in this field.
University officials hope their planning efforts will then lead to additional federal funding, up to $160 million, to implement those ideas, potentially turning the state into a hub for quantum-related business.
Quantum technology has several applications, such as in cybersecurity, software and artificial intelligence. Faster quantum computers can lead to discoveries and breakthroughs in various disciplines, such as leading to new drug treatments.
The universities are already active in quantum technology. Yale professors and scientists launched Quantum Circuits Inc. in 2015 to bring quantum-computing technology to the masses.
Michael Crair, Yale’s vice provost for research and co-principal investigator for the NSF grant, said in an announcement, “This will be a multibillion dollar industry, and we’d love for Yale and UConn, with partners around the state, to nucleate a national quantum corridor in Connecticut.”
The Quantum-CT initiative aims to make the state the country’s accelerator for quantum technologies. Dozens of partners will be involved, such as universities, state and local officials, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Connecticut Innovations, CTNext, AdvanceCT, Yale Ventures and UConn’s Technology Innovation Program.
Pamir Alpay, UConn’s interim vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, said in an announcement, “Bringing together the expertise and research excellence of UConn, Yale, and many partners, Quantum-CT has the potential to be transformative for science, our economy and workforce.”
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
