QuantumCT Chief Executive Officer (New Haven)

QuantumCT is a public-private partnership accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies in Connecticut and beyond. QuantumCT is a nonprofit organization that serves as the statewide coordinating body for advancing quantum technologies and convening industry and early-stage innovators, academia, and the public sector. QuantumCT is the result of a landmark partnership between the University of Connecticut (UConn), Yale University, the State of Connecticut and additional commercial and public regional partners launched in response to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. QuantumCT has made remarkable progress over a very short period since it was founded in 2022, with significant support from the State of Connecticut, corporate partners, the federal government, regional municipalities, philanthropy and institutions of higher education.

• Grant of $1 million in May 2023 as part of The U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program, a national effort to turn cutting‑edge research into new technologies that create jobs and promote economic growth. Congress authorized the program in the CHIPS and Science Act.
• Commitment of $121 million from CT Gov. Ned Lamont to support the development of a Quantum Technology ecosystem under QuantumCT, including a first‑of‑its‑kind quantum accelerator and incubator. This includes $10 million as part of an Innovation Cluster program in New Haven to support QuantumCT’s growth and the establishment of a physical Quantum Technology hub in New Haven for QuantumCT.
• QuantumCT is a finalist for an NSF Engines award to receive up to $160 million over 10 years to support the development of a regional ecosystem of academic institutions, industry, startups and civil society to conduct use‑inspired research and commercial development of quantum technologies that engages people in the process of creating real‑world solutions with lasting economic and societal impacts.

Quantum Technology Market

The United Nations designated 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. McKinsey research in 2025 illustrates quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing could together generate up to $97 billion in revenue worldwide by 2035.

• Quantum computing could be worth $28 billion to $72 billion, quantum communication could be worth $11 billion to $15 billion, and quantum sensing could be worth $7 billion to $10 billion—for a total of as much as $97 billion.
• McKinsey predicts that by 2040, the total QT market could reach $198 billion.

Quantum Technology will affect many industries; chemicals, life sciences, financial services, and mobility industries will see the most growth. Private and public investors are increasingly confident that quantum technology start‑ups will generate measurable value; in 2024 investors poured nearly $2 billion into quantum technology start‑ups worldwide, a 50 percent increase compared to $1.3 billion in 2023.

Chief Executive Officer | Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional CEO to lead the growth‑phase of the organization, driving the vision and development of QuantumCT. The CEO will report to the 501(c)3 Board of Directors. Initial priorities for this role include:

• Provide inspirational leadership for the Connecticut quantum technology ecosystem as the leader for use‑inspired research, technology transfer, partnerships, and workforce development. This will include developing QuantumCT as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and community, but also regular public speaking and evangelism to increase support and enthusiasm for the importance of quantum technologies and Connecticut’s emerging role as a hub.
• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, and capital planning to support the strategic plan and road map.
• Build a committed, enthusiastic, and caring team to deliver on QuantumCT’s mission.
• Build out a physical space and a first‑of‑its‑kind quantum accelerator and incubator.
• Lead fundraising efforts to support QuantumCT strategic objectives, desired economic development impact, and day‑to‑day operations based on a diverse and robust mix of support from federal, state and local public sources, corporate and university partnerships, foundations, and private philanthropy.
• Identify and engage external partners to develop use‑based research and commercial opportunities, sponsorships, partnerships, and collaboration with stakeholders in the advanced manufacturing, clean energy and sustainability, financial services and insurance, and life sciences industries.
• Forge additional collaborations with community programs that help connect students and underrepresented populations to quantum technologies and innovation.
• Other duties as necessary.

This role will directly contribute towards the development of Connecticut as an innovation hub for quantum technologies, which will drive breakthroughs that touch every aspect of our daily lives, paving the way for remarkable innovations with profound implications on society and create sustainable economic development solutions state‑wide.

Chief Executive Officer | The Right Person

You are a curious, motivated, and flexible person with an interest in building a quantum technology innovation hub and working in a very entrepreneurial environment (re: a growing organization that is designed to support a new ecosystem). Ideal qualifications and experience will include:

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience building vibrant innovation ecosystems across private‑public stakeholders.
• Fast‑paced business experience, preferably in a business development capacity.
• History of building long‑term strategic plans and corresponding budgets.
• Success in fundraising and/or convincing external stakeholders to financially support a mission‑based organization.
• Entrepreneurial approach, eager to build, create value, and solve problems.
• Self‑starter with a growth mindset who is comfortable with a minimal amount of direction.
• Expertise to interact successfully with a diverse array of technical, scientific, legal, political, and public entities.
• The ability to communicate effectively in a full range of forums such as meetings, presentations, and written expression. Demonstrates remarkable persuasion skills and excellent ability to build trust.
• A demonstrated systems thinker, who can develop and implement plans to efficiently build an organization through project conception, planning, budgeting, funding, change management, and implementation cycles.
• Technical or higher degrees are welcome but not required. Show us what you’ve done and what you can do beyond what you’ve learned in school.

In addition, four attributes + skills that are very useful:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing talented people and complex systems.
• Ability to receive, prioritize and act on information with minimal oversight.
• Commitment to customer service across the stakeholders we serve.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

QuantumCT is an equal‑opportunity employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We actively encourage candidates from broad, diverse backgrounds to apply.