A multidisciplinary team of Yale students emerged as winners at the Quantum UP! Challenge, a first-of-its-kind effort by QuantumCT to engage students from across Connecticut in discussions around a future shaped by quantum technologies. The competition, running from September 24 and culminating on November 1 at UConn’s School of Business in Hartford, brought together over 100 students from seven colleges and universities to help chart a path for Connecticut’s quantum economy.
The Yale team, combining the strengths of its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, won the Quantum Disruption challenge problem, which focuses on quantum computing’s application in finance and insurance industry. Composed of Rui Li ’25 Yale SOM, Sander Cohen-Janes ’29 GSAS, John-Paul Webster ’29, GSAS, and Lucy Damachi ’26, Yale College, the team stood out for their innovative approach and in-depth research. Their project explored predictions around qubit fidelity advancements over the next two decades, such as Rose’s Law and Neven’s Law, and the intermediate applications of quantum computing technology available for finance and insurance industry as the hardware technology matures. Their work impressed judges not only with its robust research but also for the quality of their recommendation.
In addition to the winning Yale team, Yale student Phil Kazembe ’28 Yale College (pictured right), was part of the winning team for the Quantum Power challenge alongside students from University of Pennsylvania and UConn Storrs.
Rui Li ’25 Yale SOM emphasized the value of emerging technologies in sparking future-oriented conversations: “We want to encourage more people to explore emerging tech…these fields haven’t reached an inflection point, and people are eager to connect and contribute to shaping the future together.”
The success of the Yale team was bolstered by the robust support of the Yale innovation ecosystem, including resources and mentorship from Yale Ventures, Tsai CITY, and a Yale quantum computing chemistry lab. Notably, Florian Carle from Yale Quantum Institute provided pivotal connections for team formation, while Sam Samdani of QuantumCT and Yale Ventures EIR Paul Kassebaum offered invaluable industry insights and connections. Research by Yale’s Anthony Smaldone and Victor Batista served as a foundational resource, and Yale Professor Stephen Slade contributed specific mentorship, particularly in evaluating quantum applications within the insurance sector.
The Quantum UP! Challenge represents a new collaboration for Connecticut’s technology sector, as students, industry leaders, and university partners collaborate to develop a thriving quantum economy in the state. The Yale team’s victory not only highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing quantum technology but also underscores the importance of a supportive ecosystem in transforming student ideas into impactful strategies for the future.
Congratulations to all the winners:
Department of Quantum Resources
- Adam Skarre, UConn Storrs
- Joyce Tong, UConn Storrs
- Joel Sarpong, UConn Storrs
Quantum Disruption
- Tianrui Li, Yale University
- Sander Cohen-Jones, Yale University
- John-Paul Webster, Yale University
- Ukpogu Lucy Damachi, Yale University
Quantum Ethics
- Crossby Dessallines, Southern Connecticut State University
- Jose Daniel Mandujano, Southern Connecticut State University
Quantum Lockdown
- Eva-LaRue Barber, UConn Storrs
- River Graniss, UConn Storrs
Quantum Power
- Ngaatendwe Miranda Manyika – University of Pennsylvania
- Phil Kazemba – Yale University
- Anopamufaro Manyika – UConn Storrs
Quantum Vision
- Joshua Lee – UConn School of Medicine
- Ashley Tucker – UConn School of Medicine
- Aaron Kiel – UConn School of Medicine
- Jacob Brady – UConn School of Medicine
For more information on QuantumCT and the Quantum UP! Challenge, visit QuantumCT.org.