Program Manager, QuantumCT Lab to Market Accelerator

Quantumct Program Manager

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Overview

QuantumCT is a regional innovation engine uniting Yale, UConn, Connecticut state and local governments, Southern Connecticut State University, industry partners, startups, and investors, to build a thriving quantum technology ecosystem, backed by up to $160M in NSF Engine funding and $121M in state funding. QCT, a newly formed nonprofit, serves as the coordinating body for ecosystem-wide activities, including company-stage accelerator support, testbed access, and corporate partnerships.

The QuantumCT Lab to Market Accelerator is Yale's contribution to building the startup pipeline that feeds this ecosystem funding early-stage, faculty-led quantum research at Yale and UConn as it moves toward commercialization readiness, before ventures graduate to QCT for company and growth support.

As part of this effort, we are building a lab-to-market accelerator to create and accelerate a pipeline of quantum-focused startups emerging from university research. This accelerator adapts the model developed through Yale's existing accelerator programs which include the Roberts Innovation Fund, the Blavatnik Fund, the Planetary Solutions Impact Accelerator, and Health Tech Works and UConn's SPARK program. The accelerator is open to faculty researchers at both Yale and UConn, and funds are awarded to labs, not companies, supporting research on the path to de-risking and commercialization readiness. Once a venture is ready to form a company, it will transition to QCT (the nonprofit) for company-stage accelerator funding, support, access to external quantum testbeds, and additional corporate partner engagement.

The Program Manager will report to and operationalize this accelerator under the direction of the Executive Director, Engineering Innovation & Director of the Roberts Innovation Fund, playing a central role in evaluating, monitoring, and supporting awards across a diverse range of quantum-focused lab projects advancing from "lab" to "market-ready." Given the close integration between this accelerator and the broader QuantumCT ecosystem, the Program Manager will work closely with the Associate Vice President, Research Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UConn and the QCT CEO in a dotted-line capacity throughout their tenure. After an initial two-year term position at Yale, this role is expected to transition fully into QCT, the nonprofit organization.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Assist in the analysis and evaluation of potential award opportunities, including due diligence on proposed lab projects and market research on quantum applications.
• Support the Executive Director, the QuantumCT CEO and the Associate Vice President Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UConn, in working with an external advisory board and QuantumCT ecosystem partners on award decisions, including comprehensive investment memos and market research.
• Monitor the performance of funded lab projects, including research milestones, translational progress, and market trends.
• Coordinate mentor engagement activities and support workshops for participating faculty/research teams across Yale and UConn.
• Support the eventual handoff of company-ready ventures to QCT, coordinating with QCT staff on continuity of support.

Reporting and Analysis

• Generate regular reports on accelerator performance, prepare dashboard highlighting key metrics, milestones achieved, and areas for improvement.
• Conduct analysis to assess the impact of award decisions on overall program outcomes and pipeline health.
• Prepare presentations and updates for stakeholders, including Yale and UConn leadership, the NSF Engine team, advisory boards, and QuantumCT partners.
• Work with the QCT communication team to highlight new startups and their success.

Relationship Management

• Cultivate strong relationships with faculty researchers and key stakeholders across both Yale and UConn to support ongoing recruitment and engagement.
• Act as a liaison between the accelerator and QCT, industry partners, strategic advisors, and investors within the broader QuantumCT engine, working closely (dotted line) with the QCT CEO to ensure alignment as ventures move toward company formation.
• Represent the program at Yale, UConn, and QuantumCT events to enhance visibility and attract applicants from both universities.
• Coordinate with Yale Ventures associates and UConn counterparts supporting research and application analysis. Work with other QCT professionals who have similar roles to coordinate different activities to have a unified approach.
• Build a database of emerging quantum startups in the US who can be included in the QCT Accelerator, thus helping build the ecosystem.
• Identify quantum and deep tech investors and engage them to join the program.

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support for accelerator operations, including maintaining applicant databases, fund reports, organizing meetings, and coordinating communications across the Yale/UConn/QCT ecosystem.
• Assist in preparing materials such as pitch decks and due diligence support as needed.
• Organize and support event activities such as AMAs, investor meetings, and relevant QuantumCT or Yale Innovation Summit events.

This is a hybrid in-person position in New Haven, CT with at least 3 days per week on site with time spent between Yale, UCONN and QuantumCT offices as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex research programs and emerging quantum technologies.

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate award theses and present findings to varied stakeholders.

3. Highly organized, able to manage multiple projects across two university systems and meet tight deadlines. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multi-institutional team environment.

4. A passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology transfer from academic research to commercial impact.

5. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce, or equivalent CRM solutions.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in startups, program management, accelerators and/or incubators.