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Apply for the TTA 3.0 Innovation Grant

Supporting new business-higher education partnerships that prepare Connecticut learners and workers for an AI-driven economy. 

Overview

Connecticut's demand for AI skills is growing fast — and higher education has a critical role to play. The Tech Talent Accelerator (TTA) Innovation Grant invites Connecticut postsecondary institutions to partner with employers to design and launch new AI programs and learning pathways that connect learners and workers to in-demand, industry-validated skills.

Administered by the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) and the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), TTA 3.0 builds on the goals of TTA 1.0 and TTA 2.0 by funding the next generation of AI workforce programs. Building on early success from the 2026 Pilot Grant cohort, the Innovation Grant supports new partnerships, programs, and pathways established through the collaboration between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and regional businesses.

Eligible projects may focus on one or more of four priority areas:

  • Reskilling and upskilling the tech workforce for AI competencies
  • Aligning postsecondary degree programs with industry AI needs
  • Creating credit-bearing dual enrollment pathways to AI skills for secondary students
  • Expanding innovative work-based learning models

Connecticut-based 2- and 4-year public and independent postsecondary institutions are eligible to apply. Up to $75,000 per project is available, with a minimum of 15 and maximum of 24 awards from a total pool of $1.1 million. 

If you are an employer looking to get involved through partnering, complete a brief Interest Form so that we can connect you with an institutional partner. If you would like to learn more about Tech Talent Accelerator, visit: https://www.bhef.com/techtalentaccelerator

Questions? Email the TTA team at techtalentaccelerator@bhef.com.

Grant Documents 

Key Dates 

Date 

Milestone 

April 13, 2026 

RFP Released 

April 17, 2026 

Informational Webinar 1 | 11:30am - 12:30pm ET 

April 24, 2026 

Informational Webinar 2 | 11:30am - 12:30pm ET 

April 24, 2026 

FAQ Published 

June 12, 2026 

Applications Due 

August 7, 2026 

Grantees Selected & Notified 

September 1, 2026 

Grant Period Begins 

August 31, 2027 

Grant Period Ends