Insider Brief
- The CSCU Center for Nanotechnology (CNT) has been renamed to the CSCU Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology (QNT) to reflect the state’s growing investment in quantum technologies.
- The QNT will serve as Connecticut’s hub for quantum workforce development, building on the university’s existing research strengths and partnerships.
- The center is a finalist for a National Science Foundation grant that could secure up to $160 million in funding over 10 years to advance quantum technologies in Connecticut.
PRESS RELEASE — The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) Center for Nanotechnology (CNT) has a new name and an expanded mission. Following approval by the CSCU Board of Regents, the center will now be known as the CSCU Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology (QNT). This change reflects the state’s increasing investment in quantum technologies and highlights the center as a leader in advancing research and education in quantum technologies and nanoscale science across Connecticut.
Located at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), the QNT will serve as Connecticut’s hub for quantum workforce development. This evolution strengthens the university’s partnership with QuantumCT, a public-private initiative advancing the adoption of quantum technology in Connecticut and beyond.
Physics Professor Christine Broadbridge is the founding director for the Center, SCSU executive director of research and innovation and a member of the QuantumCT leadership team. She has played a key role in the establishment of QuantumCT by leveraging collaborations with Yale University and the University of Connecticut, the state’s two other research universities. The expanded mission of the Center will maximize QuantumCT’s impact on the CSCU system, the private universities, and the surrounding community.
QuantumCT is also currently a finalist for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant — “NSF Engine: Advancing Quantum Technologies” — for which Broadbridge is the co-principal investigator. If awarded, the initiative will receive an initial two-year NSF grant of up to $15 million and become eligible for an additional eight years of funding, totaling up to $160 million over 10 years.
“Quantum technologies will transform Connecticut’s workforce by creating demand for specialized skills and opening lucrative career opportunities in industries such as aerospace, biotech, and finance,” said Broadbridge. “Southern’s strategic location in the second-largest biotechnology hub in New England makes this name change both timely and meaningful. It’s a crucial move that leverages Southern’s ability to adapt quickly and develop an agile workforce, keeping pace with the rapid growth of AI, Quantum and other advanced technologies.”
Originally approved as a CSCU Center of Research Excellence in 2013 and reapproved in 2018, the CNT built a strong foundation in condensed matter physics, materials science, and nanoscale phenomena. Under Broadbridge’s leadership, the center forged partnerships with Yale (through NSF CRISP), UConn’s Institute of Materials Science, Connecticut Community Colleges (now CT State), regional universities, while also supporting industry via access and training on cutting edge instrumentation. The expanded Center leverages SCSU’s research strength in astronomy and astrophysics while also building upon its unique programs in engineering and applied physics.
“Our public colleges and universities are not just keeping pace with technological advancements; they are positioning Connecticut to lead it. Southern Connecticut State University is at the forefront of building the state’s quantum workforce. The newly named Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology shows how public higher education drives and democratizes innovation while creating new educational and career pathways to high-demand, high-wage, and family-sustaining careers,” said CSCU Interim Chancellor John Maduko. “The QNT Center reflects our shared commitment to transforming lives through cutting-edge research and advancing Connecticut’s quantum future, made possible by the leadership and vision of Dr. Broadbridge and her team.”
The center’s dual focus on research and experiential learning has transformed hundreds of student lives, fostered industry-academic collaborations, and advanced knowledge in multiple fields. Through the Werth Endowed Industry Academic Fellowship (IAF) program, more than 100 fellows have participated, with over 90% now working in STEM fields or pursuing advanced STEM studies. One recent fellow shared:
“The best part of the fellowship, beyond the research, was the exposure to New Haven’s business and startup ecosystem. It was life-changing to see that my goals are realistic and achievable.”
While the QNT continues to evolve its programs and expand partnerships to address new scientific and technological challenges, its core commitment remains steadfast: delivering exceptional research, education, training, and outreach services to the state.
For more information about the CSCU Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology, visit https://nano.southernct.edu.
