CT DOBI

Connecticut Innovation Programs provide comprehensive support for technology startups through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The state's Innovation Clusters Program offers up to $100M over 5 years to establish and enhance physical spaces advancing next-generation technologies like AI and quantum computing in Connecticut's key sectors: biotech, fintech, insurtech, and advanced manufacturing.

Three major innovation clusters are being developed: the AI Innovation Institute in Stamford (UConn, 800K sq ft planned), Connecticut Center for Applied AI in Hartford (60K sq ft), and the Quantum & Bioscience Cluster in New Haven (550K+ sq ft, Yale/UConn collaboration). These initiatives leverage both private and public investment to accelerate innovation in rapidly growing sectors.

For ZHC builders in Connecticut, this represents significant infrastructure investment, ecosystem development, and access to research partnerships across quantum, AI, bioscience, and advanced technology sectors.

Innovation Clusters Program

Three Finalist Teams (2026 Awards Expected June):

1. AI Innovation Institute (Stamford)

• Partners: CIC, UConn, City of Stamford
• Focus: Fintech, AI, cybersecurity acceleration
• Infrastructure: 800K sq ft mixed-use development
• Features: Supercomputing platform, startup acceleration

2. Connecticut Center for Applied AI (Hartford)

• Partners: CT Center for Advanced Technology, CIC, RMS Companies
• Focus: Commercial-grade generative/analytical AI
• Infrastructure: 60K sq ft new construction
• Partnerships: 8 universities, 7 major corporations

3. Quantum & Bioscience Cluster (New Haven)

• Partners: QuantumCT, Yale, UConn, BioCT, Cure Rare Disease
• Focus: Life sciences and quantum technology
• Infrastructure: 550K+ sq ft (Science at Square 10, Downtown Crossing)
• Features: Global-scale life science district

Program Requirements

• Public-private partnerships required
• Novel technology and innovation focus
• Physical space development or enhancement
• Transformative local economic impact
• Dollar-for-dollar non-state funding match minimum
• Job creation and workforce development

Available Support Programs

• Innovation Clusters: Up to $100M (5 years)
• Research partnerships with universities
• Infrastructure and connectivity improvements
• Workforce training and development
• Technology commercialization support

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• Connecticut-based AI/quantum/biotech startups
• University research commercialization
• Ecosystem collaboration and partnerships
• Physical space needs in innovation districts
• Workforce development alignment
• Public-private partnership opportunities

❌ Poor fit if:

• No Connecticut presence or relocation plans
• Outside priority technology sectors
• No ecosystem or partnership component
• Pure virtual/remote operations

Innovation Clusters Timeline

Step	Timeline	Details
RFI submissions	Completed	32 initial responses received
Finalist selection	Jan 2025	3 teams announced
Full proposals due	April 15, 2025	Detailed project plans required
DECD review	April-June 2025	In-depth evaluation
Final awards	June 2025	Funding announcements
Project launch	2025-2030	5-year implementation

Application Requirements

• Clearly defined project scope
• Public-private partnership structure
• Minimum 1:1 non-state funding match
• Technology integration plan (AI, quantum, etc.)
• Physical infrastructure development
• Job creation and economic impact projections
• Timeline and milestone deliverables
• Community and workforce benefits

State Innovation Focus Areas

1. Artificial Intelligence: Applied AI, generative AI, analytics
2. Quantum Computing: Research commercialization, QuantumCT
3. Bioscience: Life sciences, drug development, medical devices
4. Fintech/Insurtech: Financial technology innovation
5. Advanced Manufacturing: Industry 4.0, automation
6. Cybersecurity: Security infrastructure and tools

Investment Scale

• Total Program: $100M over 5 years
• Infrastructure: Major building development
• Private Match: Minimum 1:1 ratio required
• Job Creation: Significant employment targets

Recent Connecticut Tech Initiatives

• QuantumCT: $121M state investment announced
• UConn Stamford: AI Innovation Institute planned
• Yale-UConn: Quantum research collaboration
• New Haven: Global-scale life science district expansion

• Connecticut DECD
• Innovation Clusters Program
• Commissioner Daniel O'Keefe, Chief Innovation Officer
• Phone: (860) 500-2300
• Email: decd@ct.gov

Innovation Hubs

• QuantumCT: quantumct.org
• BioCT: Connecticut Bioscience Association
• CIC New Haven: Cambridge Innovation Center
• UConn Tech Park: Storrs and regional campuses

University Partners

• UConn: Stamford, Hartford, main campus
• Yale University: New Haven, quantum research
• University of New Haven: Technology programs
• Quinnipiac University: Innovation partnerships
• CT State Community Colleges: Workforce development