Governor Lamont Announces Innovation Cluster Program to Support Growth in High-Tech Industries

Press Releases

05/29/2024

Governor Lamont Announces Innovation Cluster Program to Support Growth in High-Tech Industries

New state program will make up to $100 million in strategic investments

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the creation of the Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program, a $100 million initiative to support the continued growth of critical sectors of Connecticut’s economy, including biotechnology, financial technology, insurance technology and advanced manufacturing. support for national defense.

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), this program will leverage private and public investments to support the application of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to accelerate innovation in high-growth clusters where Connecticut has demonstrated a competitive advantage.

“Connecticut has the best-educated and best-trained workforce in the country, providing the number one resource needed to design, develop and produce the cutting-edge products and services that revolutionize industries and make businesses thrive. » Governor Lamont said. “We are the home of innovation and, through this new program, we can support the growth of sectors that drive job creation and technological advancement. »

The state is well positioned to capitalize on the next frontier of technological development with the recent launch of QuantumCT – a coalition including UConn, Yale, Connecticut State and others, that provides the thought leadership and strategic planning necessary for Connecticut to reap the economic benefits of the application of new technologies in the years to come.

“Connecticut has a rich history of innovation, and the launch of QuantumCT and the Innovation Clusters program make it clear that we are focused on the future and how local development of cutting-edge technologies can help shape the future of our strategically important industries. DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe said. “Through the Innovation Hubs program, the State will invest alongside the private sector in high-impact technology projects that are directly linked to our key economic assets. This program will help accelerate the adoption of new technologies, improve competitiveness, train the workforce of our future, and boost the vibrancy of host communities and surrounding regions.

The Innovation Clusters Program will prioritize funding for catalytic capital projects that contribute to the development of a cohesive campus and sense of place that complement the state’s existing transit-focused investments and incorporate a strong focus on workforce training, economic development, neighborhood vibrancy and regional stakeholder collaboration.

Other funding criteria include:

• Leverage partnerships with local businesses, universities and non-profit institutions to maximize investments;
• Attract and develop talent;
• Support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; And
• Deliver local improvements through community benefits agreements.

DECD will issue a Request for Information (RFI) on June 3, 2024 and plans to issue awards on an ongoing basis.

For more information about the program, visit portal.ct.gov/decd/content/community-development/03_funding_opportunities/capital-infrastructure-grants/innovation-clusters.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont