UConn Hosts Quantum Hackathon and Seminar as State Awaits Funding Decision

Events highlight university's quantum research and technology efforts as school year ends

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex and interconnected nature of quantum computing and communication.As Connecticut positions itself as a national leader in quantum technology, UConn's research and innovation efforts aim to unlock the transformative potential of this emerging field.Hartford Today

As Connecticut awaits word on a major grant proposal, the University of Connecticut is hosting a series of events in March and April to showcase its quantum research and technology initiatives. This includes the second annual QuantumUP! hackathon and a Quantum Technology Seminar, both of which aim to engage students, researchers, and industry partners in advancing quantum computing, communication, and security.

Why it matters

UConn and Yale are co-leading the QuantumCT proposal, a $160 million bid to establish Connecticut as the nation's quantum technology accelerator. These events demonstrate the state's growing momentum in quantum research and innovation, which could have transformative implications for the economy if the grant is awarded.

The details

The QuantumUP! hackathon on April 8 will challenge students from diverse academic backgrounds to collaborate on real-world quantum technology applications, including business, policy, legal, and ethical considerations. The Quantum Technology Seminar on March 11 featured experts from the U.S. and Europe discussing how quantum breakthroughs are evolving into practical technologies across industries. UConn's College of Engineering is spearheading these efforts, with growing research expertise, cross-campus partnerships, and industry engagement.

  • The QuantumUP! hackathon will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Quantum Technology Seminar was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

JC Zhao

Dean of the UConn College of Engineering.

Abhijit Banerjee

UConn associate vice president for research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Pamir Alpay

UConn interim Provost.

QuantumCT

A public-private partnership established to advance Connecticut as the nation's top accelerator of quantum technology, with partners including government offices, industrial leaders, communities, and academics.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

The federal agency that is considering a $160 million Regional Innovations Engines grant proposal co-led by UConn and Yale.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our first QuantumUP! proved that quantum technology is not just for engineers and physicists. We are excited to see what this year's competition will bring. Our goal is to create an environment where students from diverse academic backgrounds can collaborate, innovate, and compete for prizes while gaining exposure to this rapidly evolving field.”

— Abhijit Banerjee, UConn associate vice president for research, innovation and entrepreneurship

“At our recent Quantum Technologies Seminar, we convened leading researchers, industry partners, and students to examine how breakthroughs in quantum science are rapidly evolving into practical technologies. These conversations are critical-not only for advancing discovery, but for preparing engineers to lead in a field that will redefine computing, communication, and security. UConn Engineering is proud to be at the forefront of this work, fostering collaboration across disciplines and accelerating innovation and impact from the lab.”

— JC Zhao, Dean of UConn's College of Engineering

“Connecticut has one of the nation's strongest concentrations of early adopters of quantum technologies, positioning the state as a leader in this emerging field. By working closely with industry partners, we are advancing near-term applications that will lay the foundation for a quantum-enabled future.”

— Pamir Alpay, UConn interim Provost

What’s next

The National Science Foundation is expected to announce the recipients of the $160 million Regional Innovations Engines grant in the coming months. If awarded, Connecticut has pledged an additional $60 million in funding to support the QuantumCT initiative.

The takeaway

UConn's quantum research and innovation efforts, including the upcoming hackathon and seminar, demonstrate the university's commitment to positioning Connecticut as a national leader in this transformative technology. The state's investment and the pending NSF grant decision could have far-reaching implications for the future of computing, communication, and security.