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Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator 3.0: Pilot Grant Opportunity

The Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA)—a partnership of the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), and the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS)—has launched TTA 3.0 Pilot Grants.

These competitive grants will help Connecticut’s colleges and universities expand or enhance programs that embed artificial intelligence (AI) skills into existing credentials, courses, and partnerships. The goal: strengthen the state’s AI talent pipeline and prepare learners and workers for success in an AI-driven economy.

Who Can Apply

Connecticut-based public and independent 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions are eligible. Each proposal must include at least one Connecticut-based business partner that will contribute expertise, inform curriculum, or collaborate on work-based learning opportunities.

Grant Details

  • Award range: $10,000 – $30,000 per Pilot Grant
  • Supplemental WIL funding: Up to $100,000 total across selected projects
  • Grant period: February 1 – August 31, 2026

Projects should expand or refine existing programs to include AI knowledge and competencies—such as updating an AI credential, adding AI content to a non-AI program, or deepening collaboration with employers to embed AI skills in coursework.

Key Dates

  • RFP released: October 14, 2025
  • Informational webinars:
  • FAQs published: October 24, 2025
  • Applications due: December 5, 2025
  • Grant period: February 1 – August 31, 2026

Application Materials

Submit all materials by December 5, 2025, to techtalentaccelerator@bhef.com.

Required documents

Each proposal must include at least one letter of support from a Connecticut-based employer outlining their partnership role.

For Business Partners

Connecticut employers interested in collaborating with a college or university on an AI skills program can express interest using this form.

Questions

For questions about eligibility, application materials, or proposal development, contact the TTA team at techtalentaccelerator@bhef.com.