Fourteen faculty and industry researchers outlined their technologies and collaboration needs at a workshop held at 101 College Street in New Haven, marking a focused effort to build partnerships in quantum sensing. QuantumCT launched its Phase 3 Pilot Project Request for Proposals on October 16, 2026, collaborating with UConn and Yale to accelerate development of these technologies. “Quantum sensing represents a promising near-term application of quantum technology,” said Vivek Ramakrishnan, Interim CEO of QuantumCT, as the initiative aims to strengthen Connecticut’s leadership in quantum innovation and address challenges limiting real-world deployment.

Phase 3 RFP Launches Collaborative Quantum Sensing Projects

This initiative focuses on encouraging collaboration and accelerating the development of quantum sensing technologies, with a specific focus on translating research into practical applications. The workshop brought together researchers, industry representatives and entrepreneurs to address key challenges and identify potential partnerships. Four priority areas guide the RFP: magnetic-aided inertial navigation, radio frequency signal detection using Rydberg atom sensors, quantum-enabled distributed sensing, and biological systems with quantum processes.

These areas were developed in collaboration with RTX Research Center and reflect current limitations hindering the deployment of quantum sensing systems beyond controlled laboratory settings. Selecting these specific challenges demonstrates a strategic approach to overcoming engineering and technical barriers, aiming to move the technology closer to real-world implementation. Interested applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with one or more of these focus areas, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

During the workshop, fourteen faculty and industry researchers each presented concise “flash talks” detailing their ongoing quantum sensing technologies and explicitly stating the types of collaborators they seek. Speakers represented organizations including UConn, Yale, Raytheon, MITRE, Mesa Quantum and Excite, demonstrating a broad range of expertise and a commitment to open collaboration. This format was designed to facilitate networking and encourage the formation of project teams, moving beyond individual research efforts toward collective innovation.

Vivek Ramakrishnan, Interim CEO of QuantumCT, Kathy Lynch, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy and Engagement at Yale, and Monica Roy, Director of Corporate Engagement at QuantumCT, provided opening remarks, setting the stage for collaborative discussions. Previously funded UConn-Yale project teams also presented their progress at the workshop, providing valuable insights into successful collaborative models and the benefits of the QuantumCT program.

The initiative is designed to encourage collaboration between Connecticut’s academic institutions, startups, industry partners and research organizations, with the goal of advancing solutions that have demonstrable real-world potential. QuantumCT is actively seeking proposals that demonstrate a combination of academic, technical, engineering, commercialization and industry expertise, the company says. Applicants are encouraged to identify potential in-kind contributions from industry collaborators, such as computing resources, access to specialized equipment, or technical support, to strengthen their proposed pilot projects.

Proposals will be evaluated through QuantumCT’s review process, with selected teams advancing to the next stage of pilot project development. Detailed information regarding eligibility, submission requirements, and the evaluation criteria is available through the full RFP, accessible via QuantumCT’s website. QuantumCT’s expert panel will review proposals, with selected teams moving forward to the next stage of pilot project development, ultimately contributing to advancements in scientific discovery, commercial applications and national security.