NEW HAVEN, Conn., October 16, 2026 -- QuantumCT, in collaboration with UConn and Yale, today launched its Phase 3 Pilot Project Request for Proposals (RFP) during a workshop at QuantumCT’s headquarters at 101 College Street in New Haven.

The workshop brought together researchers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators to examine pressing challenges in quantum sensing, share technical expertise, and identify opportunities for collaborative pilot projects. The Phase 3 RFP is intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum sensing technologies with potential scientific, commercial, and national security applications.

“Quantum sensing represents one of the most promising near-term applications of quantum technology,” said Vivek Ramakrishnan, Interim CEO of QuantumCT. “By bringing academic researchers and industry experts together around clearly defined technical challenges, we can create partnerships that move promising ideas toward practical solutions and strengthen Connecticut’s leadership in quantum innovation.”

A Collaborative Launch for the Quantum Sensing Challenge

The October 16^th workshop opened with remarks from Vivek Ramakrishnan, Kathy Lynch, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy and Engagement at Yale, and Monica Roy, Director of Corporate Engagement at QuantumCT. Participants also heard from previously funded UConn-Yale project teams, which discussed their project goals, progress, benefits, and next steps.

Fourteen faculty and industry researchers delivered rapid “flash talks” highlighting the quantum sensing technologies they are exploring, their areas of expertise, and the collaborators they are seeking. Speakers represented organizations including UConn, Yale, Raytheon, IonQ, MITRE, Mesa Quantum, and Excite.

Representatives from QuantumCT and RTX Research Center then introduced the Phase 3 quantum sensing challenge and discussed its key technical considerations and requirements. An open discussion gave attendees the opportunity to engage with program managers, speakers, and past awardees before receiving an overview of the proposal submission and review process.

The workshop concluded with a networking reception designed to help potential collaborators continue conversations and begin forming project teams.

Four Priority Areas for Quantum Sensing Innovation

Developed in collaboration with RTX Research Center, the Phase 3 challenge focuses on four priority areas:

• Magnetic-aided inertial navigation
• Radio frequency signal detection using Rydberg atom sensors
• Quantum-enabled distributed sensing
• Biological systems with quantum processes

These focus areas reflect opportunities to address technical and engineering barriers that currently limit the deployment of quantum sensing systems outside laboratory environments. The initiative is designed to encourage collaboration among Connecticut’s academic institutions, startups, industry partners, and research organizations and to advance solutions with real-world potential.