(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of the third phase of the Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA 3.0), a statewide higher education innovation challenge designed to expand artificial intelligence (AI) education and workforce training. This initiative will accelerate the development of AI-skilled talent across Connecticut, strengthening the state’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Seven colleges and universities will participate in an initial pilot with 12 business partners.
Artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces across Connecticut and the nation. In Connecticut, demand for AI skills is rising. Since August 2024, nearly 11,000 job postings have required AI skills – a 40% increase from the year prior. Today, one in 52 jobs in the state list AI skill requirements, up from one in 70 a year ago. The demand is even stronger in roles requiring an associate or bachelor’s degree, where one in 23 jobs now call for AI expertise, spanning nearly every industry and occupation.
“AI is reshaping many sectors of our economy, and Connecticut is ensuring our workers and students are prepared to lead in this new era,” Governor Lamont said. “By investing in AI education and workforce training through the Tech Talent Accelerator, we are strengthening our talent pipeline, supporting Connecticut businesses, and creating opportunities for everyone to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA) has been championed by the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy in partnership with the Business-Higher Education Forum and the New England Board of Higher Education. Through two previous rounds of funding, the program has supported partnerships between 13 higher education institutions and 26 businesses to modernize curricula, offer short-term credentials, and deliver in-demand tech training in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and game design.
The third phase of TTA (TTA 3.0) builds on this foundation by funding AI skills programs at Connecticut’s public and independent colleges and universities. The following seven institutions and their 12 business partners will participate in a pilot phase:
- Connecticut College will integrate applied AI skills and competencies into three credit-bearing accounting and entrepreneurship courses.
- Fairfield University will embed AI competencies into nursing education through curriculum enhancements, workshops, and a non-credit digital badge, as well as engage undergraduate computer science students in an eight-week summer experience creating AI-enabled nursing simulation tools.
- Quinnipiac University will develop an eight-week online program focused on AI fundamentals in healthcare business innovation.
- Southern Connecticut State University will expand its AI in Manufacturing program to include quantum computing concepts through a new non-credit microcredential.
- University of Connecticut will deliver a cross-disciplinary, industry-inspired AI workflow agent microcredential with stackability into existing engineering degree pathways.
- University of New Haven will launch an AI for Cybersecurity concentration within its BS in Cybersecurity program.
- University of Saint Joseph will revise and create four credit-bearing courses and launch a Certificate in Applied AI for Business that incorporates capstones, internships, and challenge-based experiences.
“Connecticut’s economic future depends on our ability to anticipate workforce needs and invest in programs that meet them,” Dr. Kelli Vallieres, Connecticut’s chief workforce officer, said. “TTA 3.0 represents a strategic step forward in equipping students and workers with the AI skills that employers across our state demand.”
A second round of grants in mid-2026 will support the launch of new industry-led AI programs informed by lessons learned from the pilot cohort.
Kristen D. Fox, president and CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum, said, “The Business-Higher Education Forum has long championed the power of partnerships between business and higher education to build the workforce of the future. TTA 3.0 is a model of this approach in action, enabling employers to shape curricula and training while higher education delivers the talent pipeline Connecticut needs to thrive in the AI economy.”
Michael K. Thomas, president of the New England Board of Higher Education, said, “The New England Board of Higher Education is proud to partner in this initiative, which highlights the essential role of innovation in postsecondary education. By rethinking programs, embedding industry-recognized credentials, and creating stronger on-ramps for students, TTA 3.0 ensures that learners at every stage have access to and preparation for opportunities in AI-driven fields.”
Steven Lacroix, vice president of consulting services for CGI, said, “CGI’s continued participation in the Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator reflects the importance of defining and developing AI skills alongside higher education partners. Our collaboration with the University of Saint Joseph strengthens our talent pipeline while supporting students in gaining practical, job-relevant experience through applied coursework and hands-on learning.”
Laura Zucker, public service client account lead for the State of Connecticut at Accenture, said, “At Accenture, we are grateful for the leadership of Governor Lamont and Dr. Vallieres on this important initiative. Those of us in the professional services and technology industries see firsthand how AI is transforming Connecticut across all sectors. TTA 3.0 will help us hire workers who are not only prepared for today’s roles but also have the skills to grow with us as AI continues to evolve. This program is a win for businesses, for workers and for the state’s economy.”
Jennifer Widness, co-founder of the Connecticut AI Alliance, said, “The Connecticut AI Alliance is excited to support TTA 3.0 as a powerful catalyst for innovation within higher education. Connecticut’s colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of an AI-enabled future. By aligning curricula with industry needs, embedding real-world learning experiences, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, this initiative will strengthen our institutions’ capacity to equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to lead in a rapidly evolving economy.”
For more information about TTA 3.0, visit www.bhef.com/techtalentaccelerator.