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Example UConn Today Post: U.S. National Science Foundation Announces Transformational Award to Connecticut’s Quantum Tech Sector
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced today that Connecticut is one of twelve regions selected to receive an NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) award, joining a portfolio of regional technology clusters that are accelerating the development of critical technologies and building a durable U.S. technology advantage.
The NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut, 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, aims 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. Through innovation, applied research leading to new technologies, support for inventors and entrepreneurs, and workforce development, the NSF Quantum Technologies Engine will advance quantum sensing, secured communications, computing, and materials through shared testbed, deep-tech incubator and translation pathways.
“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” says Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “The NSF Quantum Technologies Engine will advance the Nation’s quantum innovation by accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies for national defense, biotechnology and financial services.”
The NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut (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.
The QuantumCT Engine will leverage world-leading research and innovation expertise from UConn and Yale to 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 and create a quantum ecosystem that generates economic growth.
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.