U. S. National Science Foundation awards CT Quantum Technologies Engine $15M
WASHINGTON, D. C. — The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut an initial two-year, $15 million award that has the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade. The Connecticut Quantum Technologies Engine, which is led by the University of Connecticut in partnership with Yale University, […]
The Yale University and UConn-led NSF Connecticut Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut has received a two-year $15 million award from the federal NSF. Photo courtesy of NSF Quantum Technologies in ConnecticutWASHINGTON, D. C. — The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut an initial two-year, $15 million award that has the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade. The Connecticut Quantum Technologies Engine, which is led by the University of Connecticut in partnership with Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Community College, ConnCORP, Connecticut Innovations, and the State of Connecticut, is one 12 regions nationwide to receive aNSF Enginesaward. The Connecticut Quantum Technologies Engine looks to advance American quantum innovation and secure the domestic quantum supply chain by accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology, and financial services. “NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, who performs the duties of the NSF director. The program will advance the nation’s quantum innovation by accelerating quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology and financial services, Stone added. 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. The QuantumCT Engine will leverageworld-leading research and innovation expertisefromUConnandYaleto pursue translational research to benefit industry, generate technology ventures, and train the region’s workforce to enter a high-growth field. It will also deliver technology acceleration and startup support services to drive public-private partnerships. Quantum technology industries are expected to grow to $200 billion by 2040, with the potential to reshape sectors important to Connecticut and the country, including aerospace, defense, drug development, manufacturing, and finance and insurance. Connecticut companies that are adopting quantum technologies support more than 270,000 jobs, accounting for 38% of wages in the state. They also are responsible for millions of jobs and over $28. 7 billion in GDP nationwide. “Connecticut is the nation’s leading state for quantum technology adoption,” says Pamir Alpay, UConn’s provost and the principal investigator on the NSF-funded proposal. “The award recognizes our team’s success in establishing partnerships with industry to accelerate quantum technologies and build a quantum-ready workforce. ”The NSF Engines program invests in regional ecosystems with the potential to drive economic growth through technological innovation. The QuantumCT Engine proposal was chosen for funding from a field of 15 finalists following a highly competitive national selection process. “As Connecticut’s flagship public university and the state’s land-grant institution, UConn takes pride in its leadership role within the QuantumCT Engine,” said UConn President Radenka Maric. “Our university is home to more than 60 esteemed faculty members who are experts in the field of quantum science and will collaborate with Yale researchers to drive innovative advancements and groundbreaking discoveries in quantum research. ”He added that over the past three years, the two universities have been working hand-in-hand with our academic, state, industry, and community partners to position quantum technologies as a catalyst for economic development. Gov. Ned Lamont, the Democrat who is facing Republican Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich), called the award a huge win for the state. “This award application process was highly competitive,” the governor said. “Our pioneering research and advanced application pipeline helped set us apart from the competition. Whereas other states may be theorizing about quantum, we’re already applying it together with corporate partners across the state. “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. ”The State of Connecticut has pledged $121 million to the QuantumCT Engine, comprising $60 million already invested and an additional $60 million upon receiving the NSF award. This state support will build a quantum incubator in New Haven, the Engine’s hub, among other initiatives.