America’s Quantum Future Starts in Connecticut

The NSF Quantum Technologies Engine in Connecticut (QuantumCT Engine) advances U.S. leadership in quantum technologies through innovation, applied research, support for inventors and entrepreneurs, and workforce development. By bringing together industry, government, academic, and community partners, the QuantumCT Engine will develop and deploy innovations that strengthen the economy, enhance national security, and expand opportunity for American workers and businesses. 

Quantum technologies — including communications, sensing, and computing — represent a rapidly growing global market projected to reach $100 billion over the next decade. The QuantumCT Engine is helping ensure the United States leads this transformation by delivering practical solutions for critical sectors while building the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term innovation. 

Connecticut provides a strong foundation for this work. Its concentration of advanced manufacturing, defense, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, financial, and insurance industries, combined with world-class research institutions, educational infrastructure, and strong state support, positions the QuantumCT Engine to drive innovation with national reach. 

Accelerating Innovation and Economic Growth 

The QuantumCT Engine connects industry challenges with academic expertise to develop and commercialize next-generation quantum technologies. By working alongside established companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, the engine brings new solutions to market that improve manufacturing, increase productivity, and strengthen America’s competitive advantage. 

Its technology incubator provides private-sector partners access to state-of-the-art quantum infrastructure to test, validate, and scale emerging technologies. At the same time, the QuantumCT Engine supports entrepreneurs through commercialization, startup development, and access to capital, helping grow small and medium-sized businesses and expand the nation’s quantum economy. 

The QuantumCT Engine’s work is guided by four strategic priorities: 

Together, these efforts are advancing industry-driven technologies, launching new companies, expanding commercialization opportunities, and building a skilled workforce to support the rapidly growing quantum economy. 

Building the Quantum Workforce 

Meeting the nation’s future demand for quantum talent requires coordinated investment across education and employment opportunities. The QuantumCT Engine partners with schools, community colleges, universities, employers, and workforce organizations to prepare individuals for roles ranging from technical and manufacturing positions to advanced research and development. 

Through accessible education, training, and reskilling pathways, the QuantumCT Engine is broadening participation and ensuring a diverse workforce can benefit from emerging careers in the quantum sector. 

Powered by National and State Investment 

The QuantumCT Engine is supported through a combination of federal, state, university, and private-sector investment. 

In July 2026, the QuantumCT Engine received a $15 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines award to expand quantum research, technology commercialization, and workforce development initiatives, with the potential to receive up to $160 million over eight years. This builds on an earlier $1 million NSF development award that helped launch initial quantum initiatives at UConn, Yale, and partner organizations statewide. The State of Connecticut matched the most recent NSF award with an additional $15 million as part of its larger $121 million commitment to advancing the state’s quantum ecosystem.