Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546259
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 24, 2026 3 BIZ BRIE FS Robotic-assisted surgery, designed for you Saint Francis Hospital is leading the way in robotic surgery, bringing the most advanced technology in the region to patients across greater Hartford, setting a new standard for innovation, precision and minimally invasive care. Saint Francis surgeons are highly experienced in robotic-assisted procedures across specialties such as surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, bariatrics, urology, gynecology and general surgery. With the newest technology available, Saint Francis Hospital is reinforcing its commitment to delivering state-of- the-art care with a patient-centered, compassionate approach. Learn more at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/Robot focus on leading sister organization ConnCORP and its $200 million First HAVEN redevelopment project in the city's Dixwell neighborhood. Malcolm Ellis, a longtime Conn- CORP board member, has been named ConnCAT's interim CEO. Carlton L. Highsmith, founder and board chair of both organizations, plans to retire at the end of this year, after which Ellis will become ConnCAT board chair. The leadership transition follows ConnCAT's June move into an expanded location at 150 Dixwell Ave., part of the first phase of First HAVEN. North Haven first selectman named CEO of water authorities North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda has been named CEO of the Regional Water Authority and the newly created Aquarion Water Authority, two public utilities that together serve more than 1.1 million Connecticut residents. Freda will take on the role full time Jan. 1, 2027, following the RWA and its municipal partners' $2.4 billion acquisition of Aquarion Water Co. from Eversource Energy. The RWA and AWA will remain separate entities but share a CEO, chief financial officer and board of directors. Freda, North Haven's first selectman since 2009, plans to leave that position in early January. Hamden's TransAct explores sale of casino business Hamden-based TransAct Technologies, a publicly traded technology company that sells specialized printing systems and food-service software, is considering selling its casino and gaming business as it seeks to focus more heavily on software. TransAct's casino business makes printers used in slot machines to produce paper vouchers that players can redeem for cash. The unit generated $15.7 million of the company's $28.4 million in net sales during the first half of 2026, or about 55% of total revenue. The company's board has launched a formal strategic review of the business and hired BofA Securities as its financial adviser. TransAct has set no timetable for the review and said it could consider broader alternatives. Branford biotech to cut 20% of workforce Branford-based Quantum-Si Inc. is cutting about 20% of its workforce and delaying the launch of a new laboratory system designed to help scientists study proteins. The publicly traded biotech develops technology for analyzing proteins, which researchers study to better understand diseases and develop new drugs. Quan- tum-Si is pushing the launch of its new Proteus system to the second quarter of 2027, from a previous target of the end of 2026. The company plans to eliminate roughly 30 of its 152 positions as part of a restructuring expected to save about $12 million annually. Quantum-Si reported second-quarter revenue of $344,000 and a $23.5 million net loss. New Haven biotech ramps up hiring for hair-loss drug New Haven-based biotech Verader- mics is increasing its workforce and spending as it prepares for the potential launch of its lead hair-loss drug. The publicly traded company is developing VDPHL01, an extended-re- lease oral version of minoxidil for male and female pattern hair loss, which Veradermics estimates affects about 80 million Americans. Veradermics said payroll and personnel costs increased during the second quarter as it added employees, but it did not disclose how many workers it hired or its current headcount. The company employed 21 full-time workers at the end of 2025. Veradermics recently completed enrollment of 556 women in a late-stage clinical trial, with results expected in the first half of 2027. 40 CT companies make Inc. 5000 list Forty Connecticut companies made the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private businesses, six more than last year. Old Saybrook clean energy devel- oper Telyon led the state, ranking No. 20 nationally with 9,863% revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. The company, which develops solar and battery systems for commercial customers, reported more than $51 million in 2025 revenue, up from about $520,000 in 2022. Berlin-based federal construction contractor AmeriTech Contracting ranked second in Connecticut and No. 367 nationally with 956% growth, followed by Wethersfield marketing firm Axe Elite, which ranked No. 691 with 500% growth. Michael Freda