QuantumCT – a multifaceted, collaborative effort to establish the state as a leader in quantum technology – is fueling ambitions to transform Connecticut’s economy and workforce.
UW and Yale University are leading the initiative, which aims to establish the state as a national leader in developing quantum technology for use in real-world applications. As plans move forward, universities are hosting events to bring together stakeholders to explore how to leverage the coming quantum revolution to achieve transformative and equitable economic opportunity.
“If we succeed in becoming the nation’s quantum accelerator, the impact will be huge,” said Pamir, UConn’s vice president for research, innovation and entrepreneurship and co-leader of the project. says Alpay. “We help make computers faster, networks more secure, and navigation more accurate. We’re seeing breakthroughs in medical imaging and high-tech manufacturing, and more We will be able to apply quantum principles to the field.”
In November, UConn invited members of the initiative’s leadership and implementation teams, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to align goals and participate in a panel discussion about the impact of quantum technologies in Connecticut. The event included sessions on building diversity, equity, and inclusion in the QuantumCT initiative itself and the opportunities that may be created.
“The success of QuantumCT means a new industry for our state, an industry that will bring new business to Connecticut and impact so many people on so many different levels,” said UConn Project Manager for the initiative. Michael DiDonato said. “It will create opportunities for workers like electricians and plumbers, and new jobs like cryogenic engineers and quantum network administrators, strengthening our economy and giving us all something to be very proud of. will give you.”
On Thursday, Dec. 14, the UConn Graduate Business Learning Center in Hartford will host a seminar on the potential of quantum technology. This event includes breakout sessions on applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, along with the skill sets needed for success. Notable speakers include UW President Radenka Maric, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Yale Vice President for Research Michael Clare, and Alpay.
The November event and upcoming December seminar mark a notable step for QuantumCT as the project gains momentum towards establishing partnerships and initiatives around quantum technology-based economic development.
QuantumCT has a complex and extensive network of partners from Connecticut’s education, science, industry, government, and community sectors. In May, NSF awarded the consortium a prestigious $1 million development award for developing a plan for a “Regional Innovation Engine” aimed at creating an innovation ecosystem in Connecticut focused on quantum technologies. The award also qualifies the team to submit a proposal for his $160 million grant to make Connecticut a national quantum technology accelerator.
The plan includes all sectors that could be affected by the economic revitalization facilitated by the acceleration of quantum technologies.
Rachel O’Neill, Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the university, defines quantum, as simply as possible, as the use of subatomic space, or particles, to advance technology. The impacts and improvements will be shared among Connecticut’s top innovators and could create new job opportunities across industries such as defense, pharmaceuticals, energy and finance.
Quantum is also at the center of research activity across multiple disciplines among UConn faculty and students. It is a prominent science in many of the university’s research priorities, including cryptography, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. QuantumCT involves more than a dozen researchers, including members of the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and UConn Research Enterprise’s Technology Commercialization Services division.
“QuantumCT has a lot of room to grow, and there are many more variables to adjust, but the progress we have made so far is significant,” Alpay says. “Forging connections and strengthening networks builds research opportunities in the quantum field.”
For more information about Quantum-CT, please visit quantumct.org.