Fueling Innovation & Growth
Connecticut is a leader in innovation, investing heavily in R&D and talent. For centuries, Connecticut has been a haven for original ideas and fresh thinking and this drive toward the future has made the state home to acclaimed scientists, inventors, and creators, producing the first functional helicopter, anesthesia, the color television, and many more amazing discoveries. Wide-ranging talent and a strong business ecosystem with access to major east coast markets like NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. have made Connecticut the location of choice for companies of all sizes.
“After searching the world for companies that can meet our precision and reliability needs, we often find that the best partners are our neighbors right here in Connecticut.” — Boris Levin, CEO of Mott Corp |
A unique mixture of pioneering start-ups, established industry leaders, and emerging innovators, alongside natural and cultural treasures, nationally ranked schools, and an exceptionally productive workforce has drawn workers and companies of all kinds to the state. These factors have resulted in Connecticut boasting the 2nd most Fortune 500 companies per capita in the U.S., with 2 Fortune 100, 15 Fortune 500, and 25 Fortune 1000 companies1 located throughout the state. Globally recognized brands like ESPN, Xerox and Cigna have made their headquarters in Connecticut, as have startups like Yale University quantum computing spinoff Quantum Circuits, Inc. Regardless of a company’s size, Connecticut has the talent to fuel their growth, and that talent is the cornerstone of our economy.
Key Facts
highest percentage of adults with graduate or professional degrees2
world-class colleges & universities, including Yale & UConn
most productive workforce3
for human capital investment4
Companies are drawn by the state's dynamic economy and workforce. Connecticut workers are ranked as the 5th most productive5 in the country and their efforts earn the state the #1 most federal contract dollars per capita6 of any state, owing to its prowess in the aerospace, defense, and shipbuilding industries — a fact that has contributed to the 5th highest concentration of engineers7 in the country, further bolstering the state's position as a leader in the advanced manufacturing industry. Due to the concentration of wealth from the state's insurance and financial services industries and booming life sciences and technology stalwarts and startups, Connecticut is the recipient of the 10th most venture capital deals per capita8 in the U.S. All of these factors, in addition to our ideal geography, have made Connecticut the prime location for foreign company market entry into the U.S., resulting in the 10th highest percentage of employment supported by international investment9, more than New York or Massachusetts.
“TRUMPF continues to invest in Connecticut for the same reason we came over here 55 years ago: access to a very qualified workforce, a stable economic and political environment, and to have an ecosystem of manufacturing companies.” — Lutz Labisch, President & CEO of TRUMPF Inc |
Connecticut knows how to support business growth - be fiscally responsible, have plans, policies and strategies that are easy to navigate, and invest in people. Connecticut invests heavily in education for all in primary and secondary school, boasting the 2nd best public school system10 in the nation along with the 2nd best high schools11 in the country, and removing the traditional barriers to workforce training.
The result of this has been Connecticut's consistent rank as the #1 state for college readiness12, ensuring our students, the workforce of the future, receive all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. That investment is paying off — Connecticut’s highly skilled, highly educated workforce is rated among the best in the country and our companies are reaping the benefits of their talent. Our 38 colleges and universities — including the state's flagship school, the University of Connecticut (UConn), and world renowned Yale University, ranked the 2nd best college in the country13 — mold some of the most future-ready workers in the nation.
De-Risk Your Business
Selecting Connecticut as your business location offers unparalleled advantages in risk management, ensuring a stable and secure environment for your operations. Connecticut excels in sustainability, ranking #2 for the lowest climate change contributions14 and individual waste per capita15. Our state also boasts a highly reliable electrical grid and top-tier internet infrastructure, recognized among the best in the nation by Broadband Now. These strengths translate to fewer disruptions and smoother business operations, even during climate emergencies.
Additionally, Connecticut’s robust infrastructure extends beyond energy and communication networks. Whether it's highway improvements, rail enhancements, or investments in EV charging stations, Connecticut prioritizes infrastructure resilience to support businesses. Our electric grid is one of the most reliable in the nation, with one of the lowest amounts of power outages in the country and the fewest in New England16. Coupled with low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and a highly productive workforce, Connecticut provides a comprehensive, low-risk environment ideal for business growth and stability. By choosing Connecticut, you position your business in a forward-thinking, resilient state that supports sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Learn more about how Connecticut can help de-risk your business here.
