QuantumCT Opens New Haven Innovation Hub to Build Connecticut’s Quantum Technology Ecosystem
Insider Brief
- QuantumCT opened a 4,500-square-foot headquarters and incubator in New Haven to support quantum technology commercialization, startup growth and workforce development in Connecticut.
- Its quantum technologies engine has received $15 million from the National Science Foundation and is eligible for up to $160 million over 10 years, contingent on sufficient progress.
- QuantumCT plans to expand into a 30,000-square-foot facility with laboratories and launched Chai & Quantum, a community series aimed at making quantum science accessible.
PRESS RELEASE — QuantumCT celebrated the opening of its new home at 101 College Street, establishing a central hub for building Connecticut’s quantum technology ecosystem and moving scientific discoveries from the laboratory into practical applications. By bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, corporate partners, students, and workforce organizations, QuantumCT aims to accelerate the creation of quantum-enabled goods and services, grow new and existing companies, and create high-quality jobs in Connecticut. The event also marked the launch of Chai & Quantum, a new community engagement series designed to make quantum science accessible to everyone.
QuantumCT’s Connecticut Quantum Technologies Engine is eligible to receive up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation over 10 years, contingent on demonstrating sufficient progress. Of that potential investment, $15 million has already been awarded for the first two years to advance QuantumCT’s core goals: developing a connected statewide quantum technology ecosystem, translating scientific discoveries into commercial applications through startups and corporate partnerships, building a skilled workforce, and generating new products, services, companies, and jobs in Connecticut. The federal investment builds on matching funds from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
The celebration featured guest speaker Dr. Steven Girvin, Sterling Professor of Physics at Yale University and a pioneer in quantum research. He was joined by President Radenka Maric, Ph.D., President of University of Connecticut; Provost Scott Strobel, Ph.D., Yale Provost; Vivek Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., Interim CEO of QuantumCT; Pamir Alpay, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President of University of Connecticut; Michael C. Crair, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Research at Yale University; Dan O’Keefe, DECD Commissioner; Christine Broadbridge, Ph.D. Executive Director Research and Innovation, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker; and leaders from academia, industry, and the community.
QuantumCT is a public-private partnership led by the University of Connecticut, Yale University, and Southern Connecticut State University in collaboration with industry, government, and community partners. It is building the relationships, infrastructure, capital pathways, and talent needed to move quantum discoveries toward commercial use. Its work spans quantum computing, networking, sensing, materials, and cryptography, with potential applications in life sciences, aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, insurance, and financial services.
Located in the heart of New Haven’s innovation district, the 4,500-square-foot office and incubator space will serve as a hub for researchers, entrepreneurs, students, startups, and industry leaders. The space is designed to support technology translation, company formation, corporate collaboration, and workforce development—helping promising quantum discoveries become practical applications, marketable goods and services, and Connecticut-based jobs.
The new hub was made possible through $1.35 million in financial support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) as part of the New Haven Quantum and Life Sciences Innovation Cluster, with matching funds from the City of New Haven and building owner Carter Winstanley Enterprises. QuantumCT will operate the space through grants, programs and services, and private fundraising.
The hub is an important step in QuantumCT’s long-term growth in New Haven. The organization plans to expand into a 30,000-square-foot facility in the city with laboratory space to incubate quantum technology companies, further increasing its capacity for research, technology translation, startup incubation, corporate partnerships, workforce programming, and collaboration. The expansion will build on the momentum established at 101 College Street and strengthen New Haven’s position as a center where quantum research can advance toward commercialization and economic impact.
Making Quantum Accessible to Everyone
The launch of Chai & Quantum reflects QuantumCT’s commitment to bringing quantum science beyond the laboratory and into the community. Designed for students, lifelong learners, and anyone curious about the quantum world, the series welcomes the broader community to explore emerging technologies through informal conversations, expert insights, and open dialogue.
By connecting researchers, industry professionals, and community members, Chai & Quantum aims to broaden awareness, inspire the next generation, and create opportunities for everyone to engage with the technologies shaping our future.
Together, the opening of QuantumCT’s new home and the launch of Chai & Quantum advance a shared vision for Connecticut: a connected ecosystem that links world-class science with entrepreneurs, startups, corporate partners, talent, and communities to turn discovery into useful technologies, growing companies, new goods and services, and lasting job creation.
QUOTATIONS
Vivek Ramakrishnan, CEO, QuantumCT
“Today’s opening represents much more than a new office. It is a gathering place where researchers, entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders, and community members can come together to build Connecticut’s quantum future. With the support of the NSF, our partners, and the State of Connecticut, QuantumCT is creating a pathway from breakthrough discovery to real-world impact and economic opportunity.”
Steven Girvin, Sterling Professor of Physics, Yale University
“Quantum science is entering an exciting new era, where fundamental discoveries are increasingly finding practical applications. This new hub creates opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, helping ensure that Connecticut remains at the forefront of quantum innovation.”
Radenka Maric, UConn President
“The opening of QuantumCT’s headquarters at 101 College Street represents a significant milestone for Connecticut’s growing quantum ecosystem. This new hub will help bring together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and public partners to accelerate innovation and transform groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact. At UConn, we are proud to be a partner in building a vibrant quantum future for our state and ensuring that Connecticut remains at the forefront of scientific advancement, talent development, and economic growth.”
Maurie McInnis, Yale President
“At Yale, we are sharing our groundbreaking research to help deliver tangible economic opportunities for Connecticut and the surrounding region. Through collaborations with UConn, the state of Connecticut, the city of New Haven, and industry partners, we are developing a national model for translating knowledge and innovation into solutions that strengthen our communities.”
Pamir Alpay, Provost & Executive Vice President, University of Connecticut
“Connecticut has the scientific expertise, entrepreneurial talent, and industry partnerships to turn quantum discoveries into technologies that improve lives and strengthen our economy. Through QuantumCT, UConn and our partners are building the pathways that move ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace—supporting new ventures, deepening corporate collaboration, preparing students for emerging careers, and creating high-quality jobs across the state.”
Michael C. Crair, Vice Provost for Research, Yale University
“Yale is proud to partner with UConn, SCSU and QuantumCT in advancing a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects world-class research with entrepreneurship, workforce development, and industry engagement. This new space strengthens our collective ability to translate scientific excellence into meaningful societal and economic impact.”
Dan O’Keefe, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
“Connecticut is making strategic investments in industries that will define the future economy. The opening of QuantumCT’s innovation hub demonstrates how public-private collaboration can attract talent, support new companies, and position our state as a national leader in quantum technologies.”
Christine Broadbridge, Executive Director for Research & Innovation, Southern Connecticut State University
“The new QuantumCT headquarters gives a place to the engine and the ecosystem that so many people have worked so hard to build. It is a place where partnerships will grow, ideas will be exchanged, students from Southern and throughout Connecticut will be inspired, and innovation will be accelerated.”
Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven
“New Haven continues to strengthen its role as a center for innovation, discovery, and entrepreneurship. QuantumCT’s presence at 101 College Street brings new energy to our innovation district and creates opportunities for residents, students, researchers, and businesses to participate in the quantum economy.”
Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator
“Federal investments in research and innovation are helping America maintain its global leadership in critical technologies. QuantumCT is demonstrating how these investments can create jobs, drive economic growth, and unlock scientific breakthroughs that will benefit communities across Connecticut and the nation.”
Rosa DeLauro, United States Representative
“Connecticut has the talent, institutions, and partnerships necessary to lead in quantum technology. The opening of this hub reflects the power of sustained investment in research, education, and community engagement to create opportunities for future generations.”
Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut
“Quantum technology represents one of the most significant economic and scientific opportunities of our time. Through investments in innovation, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, Connecticut is building an ecosystem that will attract companies, create high-quality jobs, and compete on a global stage.”
D-Wave, Luke Harvey, Sr. Director of Advance Computing Business
“We are excited to see Connecticut investing in the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to accelerate quantum innovation. Facilities like this hub help create the connections between research, industry, and entrepreneurs that are essential for transforming quantum technology into practical solutions.”