Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1533447
14 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 24, 2025 Albert Green in the superconducting qubits laboratory at the Yale Quantum Institute in New Haven. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 'Innovation Ecosystem' With new CEO, QuantumCT eyes creating quantum computing 'test bed' in New Haven of the emerging quantum economy. There's already significant public and private funding pouring into the industry. Global public investments in quantum technology reached $42 billion in 2023, while quantum startups raised $1.71 billion from private investors that same year, according to consulting giant McKinsey & Co. "It's a very exciting area," Green said. "I think the most accurate way to describe it is that quantum computing and quantum technol- ogies is where transistors were in the 50s." "We're building a new innovation ecosystem in Connecticut," said Saranda Belica, the organization's senior advisor for strategic initiatives, research, innovation and entrepreneur- ship. "We're preparing the state for a new economy. Our primary focus will be obviously engaging industry partners, but also preparing the workforce for this new quantum economy." The organization expects state funding in the budget that's currently under discussion at the legislature. Gov. Ned Lamont called out the potential of the quantum economy for the state in his February budget address. By Harriet Jones hjones@hartfordbusiness.com "I have spent pretty much my entire career at the interface between bleeding-edge technology and hardcore business strategy and execution," said Albert M. Green. It's that combination that leads him to describe his new role as presi- dent and CEO of QuantumCT as a "natural fit." The public-private partnership — which includes the University of Connecticut and Yale University, alongside business and industry partners — is tasked with driving inno- vation in quantum technology in the state. Green becomes its first leader, and he says the decision to come to Connecticut to head up the effort was an easy one. "Connecticut is one of the inven- tors of what we understand as quantum computing today," he said, pointing out that Yale University's first research paper on quantum computing was published 20 years ago. "The depth of the technical expertise, the thought leadership — it's profound." Quantum computing applies the laws of quantum mechanics to model complex problems that are too diffi- cult for current computer technology to solve. Green was CEO of Kent Displays, a company that leveraged Kent State University-developed liquid crystal technology to create the note-taking tablet Boogie Board. He was subsequently the director of technology commercialization at Kent State University, and ran his own firm, AMG Consulting Group, advising technology businesses on growth strategies. He holds 26 patents in the areas of photonic systems, displays and advanced materials. 'New innovation ecosystem' In 2023, Connecticut was successful in attracting a $1 million planning grant from the National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines program. That funding became the foundation of QuantumCT. The organization is now transi- tioning from being a grant initiative to a self-contained 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its most immediate task is to develop a statewide strategic plan to position Connecticut at the forefront ALBERT M. GREEN CEO QuantumCT Education: Bachelor's degree in physics, The University of Chicago; Ph.D. in physics, Stanford University. Age: 59 Saranda Belica